Springboks to launch 2027 Rugby World Cup Campaign against Italy in Adelaide
The Springboks will kick off their 2027 Rugby World Cup campaign in Adelaide against Italy before facing Georgia in Brisbane and Romania in Perth. Coach Rassie Erasmus emphasises preparation, travel logistics, and aiming for a third consecutive title. Captain Siya Kolisi is seen holding the Webb Ellis trophy.
Image: AFP / File
THE SPRINGBOKS’ quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup title will begin on Australian soil, with South Africa set to open their 2027 campaign against Italy in Adelaide.
World Rugby confirmed the full tournament schedule on Tuesday, outlining a World Cup that will be staged across eight Australian cities. For the Springboks, it means a familiar yet demanding journey, starting at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday, 3 October. The kick-off is scheduled for 5.45am South African time, marking only the Boks’ second Test appearance in the city.
From Adelaide, the defending champions will travel east to Brisbane to face Georgia on 10 October before completing their Pool B fixtures against Romania in Perth on 17 October. The new tournament format will see the top two teams from each of the six pools, along with the four best third-placed sides, advance to a newly introduced round of 16.
KO stages brings more challenges
Should South Africa progress as expected, the knockout stages will bring additional logistical challenges. A round of 16 match in Perth could be followed by a quarter final in Sydney, with the semi-finals and final all hosted at Stadium Australia.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus welcomed the clarity provided by the confirmed schedule, saying it allows planning to move into a more detailed phase.
“It is good to know exactly where and when we will be playing,” Erasmus said. “We have recent experience in all these cities, which helps, and now we can fine-tune our preparation and planning.”
Erasmus highlighted travel demands and time differences as key factors, particularly if the team advances deep into the tournament. He also noted that potential knockout opponents such as Australia or New Zealand would bring their own challenges.
Before turning full attention to 2027, the Springboks face a busy international programme in 2026, including Tests against England, Scotland, and Wales; a new Nations Championship campaign; a four-match series against the All Blacks; and end-of-year clashes in Europe.
With just under two years to go, the road to Adelaide has officially begun, and the Springboks are already laying the groundwork for another global title push.