SYDNEY (AP) — Host Australia and three-time champion New Zealand were drawn into the same group Wednesday for the expanded Rugby World Cup in 2027, with the group winner likely to meet defending champion South Africa in the quarterfinals.

Australia was placed into Pool A from the second band of teams that were ranked from seventh to 12th.

No. 2-ranked New Zealand was the last team pulled out in the draw by World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson. They'll be joined by Chile and Hong Kong in the group stage.

South Africa was drawn into Pool B with Italy, Georgia and Romania.

The result means the 2023 finalists could meet in the quarterfinals, if both the Springboks and the All Blacks top their groups.

England, winner of the last Rugby World Cup staged in Australia in 2003, was drawn int

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