2027 Rugby World Cup draw updated — England handed easier group

 Wales face a big opener vs Argentina but have a strong chance to top this pool. Samoa adds intrigue as the dark horse.

Despite being reduced to 14 men after Lood de Jager’s controversial red card just before halftime, South Africa showed their trademark resilience. Trailing 14–13 at the break, the Boks returned to the field with renewed purpose and turned the game on its head.

Captain Siya Kolisi selflessly made way for Ruan Nortje to bolster the second row, with Pieter-Steph du Toit taking over the captaincy. Under his leadership, the Springboks surged to a stunning 32–17 victory, scoring 19 unanswered points in the second half.

It was a fitting triumph at the same Paris venue where they lifted the 2023 Rugby World Cup — a dream continued for South Africa, and a nightmare revisited for France, who had spent two years preparing for revenge after their narrow 29–28 quarter-final defeat.

The result earned South Africa an additional 0.86 ranking points, moving them to 93.06 overall. Earlier in the day, the All Blacks’ 25–15 win over Scotland boosted their tally by 0.36 to 91.35, meaning the Springboks have extended their lead at the top by half a point.

Here’s how the 2027 Rugby World Cup pools are now expected to shape up:

South Africa (Band 1) — Reigning World Champions, famed for their physical dominance and tactical brilliance.

Australia (Band 2) — Rugby hosts with a rich history and a passionate home crowd.

Japan (Band 3) — High-paced attackers who stunned the world in 2019.

Portugal (Band 4) — Rising force in European rugby, known for their scrappy determination.

? Storyline: South Africa vs Australia could be a World Cup final preview — Portugal and Japan will battle for third place.

Ireland (Band 1) — Consistently at the top of world rugby, masters of strategic play.

Scotland (Band 2) — Brave and battle-hardened, with a history of giant-killing performances.

Spain (Band 3) — Emerging side bringing flair and unpredictability.

Romania (Band 4) — Rugby stalwarts with physical forward packs.

? Storyline: Ireland and Scotland renew their rivalry in a high-stakes pool. Spain could cause an upset.

New Zealand (Band 1) — The All Blacks, rugby royalty with speed, skill, and killer instinct.

Fiji (Band 2) — Fijian flair and athleticism make them dangerous in any matchup.

USA (Band 3) — Big, athletic squad with growing ambitions.

Hong Kong China (Band 4) — Developing team looking to make an impact on the world stage.

? Storyline: Expect fireworks between New Zealand and Fiji; USA and Hong Kong will battle for the third spot.

England (Band 1) — Powerful, well-drilled side with a deep tactical playbook.

Italy (Band 2) — Tough, resilient side with big scrummaging power.

Uruguay (Band 3) — South American fighters with resilience to match their passion.

Canada (Band 4) — Experienced team, looking to build consistency.

? Storyline: England should lead this pool, but Italy's unpredictability makes this one dangerous.

France (Band 1) — World Cup hosts in 2023, dynamic attackers, crowd favourites.

Georgia (Band 2) — Known for a dominant forward pack and fierce defence.

Tonga (Band 3) — Physical, passionate, unpredictable warriors.

Zimbabwe (Band 4) — Underdogs aiming to shock the world.

? Storyline: France's depth makes them favourites, but Georgia could make it interesting.

Argentina (Band 1) — Tough, skilled, and battle-tested with World Cup pedigree.

Wales (Band 2) — Six Nations contenders with a blend of power and precision.

Chile (Band 3) — South American dark horse making their mark.

Samoa (Band 4) — Fierce underdogs with a proud history and attacking flair.

? Storyline: