That means Australia will play either Hong Kong China or Chile in the opening game in Perth. The Wallabies won’t be under serious threat from either minnow, but another factor in the decision, according to informed sources, was concern that a Wallabies’ defeat in the opening game would deflate interest levels in Australia.
There was hope the Wallabies-All Blacks blockbuster could be staged at the MCG, where it could potentially draw 100,000 fans. But the MCG was not available for World Cup games given the Victorian government gave the US’s National Football League first choice of dates to use the venue in October 2027 (apart from AFL finals).
The stadiums that will be used in the 2027 World Cup.Credit: World Rugby
Given the eight games in Melbourne will be at the 56,000-seat Marvel Stadium and other options such as Suncorp Stadium (50,000 seats) and Adelaide Oval (53,000) are a similar size, the Wallabies-All Blacks game is set to be played at Accor Stadium in Sydney, according to informed sources.
The Homebush venue, which is the country’s second-biggest ground with a capacity of 82,000, will allow World Cup organisers to maximise revenue in another sold-out clash. Almost all of World Rugby’s revenue is made at World Cups, and it then spends those reserves during the next four years.
Sydney staging the Wallabies’ biggest pool match confirms it is effectively the home the 2027 World Cup. It has already been announced Accor Stadium – which hosted the 2003 World Cup final – will again host the final, along with both semi-finals, the bronze-medal game, two quarter-finals and two pool games. Allianz Stadium will also host three pool games and two round-of-16 matches.
It is unclear whether Chile or Hong Kong China will play the Wallabies in Perth.
Chile are an emerging side that beat Samoa, Uruguay and Canada last year, and at No.17, the Condors are now ranked higher than Samoa and Tonga. Chile even pushed Italy in a 15-point defeat in November – just two weeks after the Wallabies lost by seven to Italy. World No.23 Hong Kong China are in their first World Cup.
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It is not unusual for the hosts to play a lesser-ranked side in the opening game. After New Zealand downed Italy in 1987, in 1991 and 1995 the defending champions played against the hosts in the opening game, but that was abandoned in 1999 when Wales played Argentina.
The Pumas then played in the opening game at the next two World Cups as well, beating France in the 2007 opener. In 2011, New Zealand played Tonga, England played Fiji in 2015 and Japan played Russia in 2019.
In 2023, France opted to play the All Blacks first up – and won – but hype levels then geared down in three remaining games against Uruguay, Namibia and Italy. The hosts then lost in the quarter-finals.
Waratahs warm up for Super Rugby with big win
The NSW Waratahs finally secured some good news this pre-season, comprehensively defeating the Reds 49-19 in a trial game in Brisbane before round one of Super Rugby on February 13 in Sydney.
After the fallout of the pre-season punch-up between teammates Angus Scott-Young and Miles Amatosero, the Waratahs took the opportunity at a hot and humid Ballymore to remind everyone of their potential.
The Waratahs physically dominated a strong Reds side that included new captain Fraser McReight and 11 fellow Wallabies in the match-day squad.
Wallabies winger Harry Potter races over to score the Waratahs’ first try in a pre-season game against the Reds at BrisbaneCredit: Hugo Carr
Pre-season games rarely, if ever, provide an accurate forecast for Super Rugby, but they can offer a platform for less heralded squad members to shine. At Ballymore, the Waratahs had two players who could play a far bigger role this season.
Melbourne-born and raised No.8 Leafi Talataina was outstanding, scoring two tries. Talataina’s second try was a perfectly timed intercept, after which he sprinted 40 metres and beat the cover defence to score, complementing his hard running throughout the game.
Winger Sid Harvey scored 17 points, including a late try and six out of six conversions, having already made his mark on the sevens circuit with Australia, making his debut this year in Dubai.
Harvey combined well in attack and defence with his more experienced winger, Wallaby Harry Potter, who opened the scoring with his first try for the Waratahs, intercepting the ball and running 65 metres to score.
In a frenetic first half, Potter, Talataina, Western Force recruit centre George Poolman, halfback Teddy Wilson and breakaway Clem Halaholo scored tries to give the Waratahs a 23-point lead, after the Reds had fought back with tries from fullback Jock Campbell and hooker Richie Asiata.
After Talataina’s second try on 48 minutes extended his side’s lead to 30 points, the Waratahs had a rare opportunity to enjoy their time at a ground where the Reds have so often dominated their arch rivals.
Harvey’s speed was on display for his try on 72 minutes, before Wallabies hooker Matt Faessler scrambled over to get a late consolation try for the Reds just before full-time.
Despite the impressive scoreline, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar was keen to point out that it remained a trial game, with another to follow on Thursday against the Brumbies.
“We’ve been pretty clear on how we want to play the game and we’ve worked hard on it for three months. The boys went out there and delivered on it today, so I’m really pleased,” McKellar said.
“Despite the fact we haven’t played, I thought our fitness was really good.
“You’ve got to have that balance of playing with width, challenging on the edges, but also going through the middle.
“It’s a trial game so we won’t get too far ahead of ourselves, but I’m pleased with collective and individual performances.”