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 winner likely to meet defending champion South Africa in the quarterfinals.

No. 2-ranked New Zealand was the last team pulled out in the draw by World Rugby chairman Brett Robinson in Sydney. Australia had already been placed into Pool A from the second band of teams that were ranked from seventh to 12th.

“As an Australian, you always love to (play) New Zealand,” Wallabies captain Harry Wilson said, before proposing that the Bledisloe Cup showdown should be the tournament opener. “The opening match of a World Cup, doesn’t get much better than that!

“In the World Cup, if you want to win it, you’ve got to beat the best teams, and they’re obviousl

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