Predicting the 2027 Rugby World Cup Pool Stages

2027 Men's Rugby World Cup

Wednesday, 03 December 2025 at 11:39

byCharlie Elliott

The road to the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup took shape today with the reveal of the six pools for what will be the biggest tournament in the sport’s history.

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For the first time, 24 teams will compete across six pools of four, creating a broader, more inclusive format. With the draw now set, here’s how each pool is shaping up—and what we predict for all six.

Pool A

New Zealand
Australia
Chile
Hong Kong China

This is arguably the easiest pool to predict, with the only real uncertainty arising if Australia make strong use of their home advantage and manage to topple the All Blacks. Beyond that, the pecking order is fairly obvious and aligns closely with each team’s original seeding. It may not be the most exciting forecast, but the pool will likely finish much as it appears on paper.

The contest between Chile and World Cup debutants Hong Kong China should be engaging, though the newcomers still seem a step behind Pablo Lemoine’s Condores, who pushed Italy hard this autumn.

Predicted Pool A

New Zealand
Australia
Chile
Hong Kong China

Pool B

South Africa
Italy
Georgia
Romania

This pool has the potential for a thrilling finish, with little separating second-seeded Italy, fourth-seeded Romania, and Georgia sitting between them. South Africa are almost certain to top the group, but beyond that, everything is wide open. Each of the remaining teams can reasonably view themselves as contenders for second place or for one of the four best third-place qualifications.

Georgia traditionally elevate their game at World Cups, and despite Italy’s recent progress, the Azzurri will be wary of a possible upset from the Lelos. Romania may also push Georgia hard, making this a particularly intriguing pool for neutral fans.

Predicted Pool B

South Africa
Georgia
Italy
Romania

Pool C

Argentina
Fiji
Spain
Canada

Another fascinating pool, this one features Fiji—a second-seeded team no one would have wanted to face—and an Argentina side with the potential to go deep in the tournament after several strong performances against top-tier opposition. Spain and Canada may sit a level below the leading pair, but they remain unpredictable, as demonstrated by Spain’s impressive showing in their recent narrow loss to an England A team packed with Premiership talent.

Both nations are still developing, yet they will quietly believe they can spring an upset or at least secure one of the four best third-place positions. While the margins between teams may be tight, there is still a fairly clear hierarchy heading into this group.

Predicted Pool C

Argentina
Fiji
Spain
Canada

Pool D

Ireland
Scotland
Uruguay
Portugal

Ireland and Scotland both present real opportunities for an upset: Andy Farrell’s squad is aging and may be past its peak by 2027, while Scotland have a habit of stumbling on the biggest occasions. Uruguay and Portugal won’t view themselves as favourites, but they may carry a quiet confidence that they can remain competitive and avoid heavy defeats.

Overall, there may end up being very little separating the top two teams—and likewise the bottom two—in this pool.

Predicted Pool D

Scotland
Ireland
Uruguay
Portugal

Pool E

France
Japan
USA
Samoa

This pool is exceptionally difficult to predict, as the three teams beneath France are very evenly matched—particularly if Samoa can bolster their squad with high-calibre players who have previously represented other nations.

Japan recently defeated the USA by more than 25 points, but that result felt somewhat uncharacteristic, and the Eagles are expected to raise their level on the World Cup stage. Realistically, any of these teams could finish anywhere between second and fourth.

Predicted Pool E

France
Samoa
Japan
USA

Pool F

England
Wales
Tonga
Zimbabwe

To finish, this is an intriguing collection of nations, though it will likely settle into a fairly established hierarchy. Wales will expect significant improvement by 2027 and will probably sit comfortably between Tonga and England—strong enough to overcome the former but not quite at the level of the latter.

If Tonga manage to bring in their overseas talent, they could pose a real challenge to Steve Tandy’s men. Zimbabwe, making their first appearance at the tournament since 1991, will bring plenty of enthusiasm and energy, though securing a win may be a step too far.

Predicted Pool F

England
Wales
Tonga
Zimbabwe