England drawn against Wales in World Cup pool

Ireland will take on Scotland and All Blacks face Wallabies

- By LAWRENCE OSTLERE

Hosts Australia have been handed a tough draw for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, going up against fierce rivals New Zealand in Pool A in what will be a mouthwatering curtain-raiser to the tournament.

England will play neighbours Wales in Pool F, which also features Tonga and Zimbabwe. Scotland and Ireland have also been drawn together, alongside Portugal and Uruguay in what could be a competitive Pool D.

South Africa, the reigning champions, will play Italy, Georgia and Romania in Pool B, and the Springboks are likely to face either Australia or New Zealand in a blockbuster quarterfinal.

France are in the same half of the draw as the heavyweight southern hemisphere teams and will be the most likely semifinal opponents for either the All Blacks or Springboks if they were to meet in the quarterfinals. The French will play Japan, USA and Samoa in Pool E, in perhaps the kindest draw among the top-tier teams.