PREVIEW-Heavyweights begin 2027 World Cup squad build in Rugby Championship

Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, August 12th 2025 at 2:52 GMT by Channel NewsAsia Singapore
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CAPE TOWN :With two years to go until the Rugby World Cup in Australia, this year's Rugby Championship offers an early glimpse into the plans of the southern hemisphere heavyweights as they start shaping their squads for the 2027 tournament.South Africa and Australia open this year's championship at Ellis

Heavyweights Begin 2027 World Cup Squad Build in Rugby Championship

The Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend, marking the start of a crucial rebuilding phase for the southern hemisphere's rugby powerhouses as they eye the 2027 World Cup in Australia. With the 2023 tournament still fresh in memory—where South Africa claimed back-to-back titles—the focus now shifts to squad development, tactical evolution, and integrating new talent. This year's edition promises intense rivalries, especially with all four teams—South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina—undergoing transitions under new or relatively new coaching regimes. The competition will serve as a litmus test for emerging stars and a platform to refine strategies ahead of the next global showdown.

South Africa's Springboks, the reigning world champions, enter the tournament as favorites, but they're not resting on their laurels. Under the continued guidance of Rassie Erasmus, who masterminded their 2019 and 2023 triumphs, the team is blending experience with youth. Key veterans like Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, and Pieter-Steph du Toit remain pillars, providing leadership and physicality. However, Erasmus is keen on blooding new talent to ensure depth for 2027. Players like fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and versatile back Canan Moodie are expected to get significant game time, potentially challenging established names. The Boks' strategy revolves around their trademark forward dominance, set-piece prowess, and a robust defense, but there's talk of evolving their attack to incorporate more flair, drawing from the innovative 'bomb squad' bench tactics that proved so effective in France last year. Their opening fixtures against Australia in Brisbane and Perth will be telling, as they'll aim to assert early dominance while experimenting with combinations.

New Zealand's All Blacks, stung by their narrow 2023 World Cup final defeat to the Springboks, are in a rebuilding mode under new head coach Scott Robertson. Known for his success with the Crusaders in Super Rugby, Robertson brings a fresh, attacking philosophy to a team that's historically defined by fluid, high-tempo rugby. The loss of legends like Richie Mo'unga, who moved to Japan, and the retirement of Sam Whitelock have created voids, but opportunities abound for the next generation. Ardie Savea, the 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, will captain the side, anchoring a loose forward trio that could include rising stars like Wallace Sititi. At fly-half, Damian McKenzie is poised to take the reins, bringing creativity and speed to the backline. The All Blacks' campaign begins with a home double-header against Argentina in Wellington and Auckland, where they'll look to reestablish their aura of invincibility. Robertson's emphasis on innovation—perhaps incorporating more offloads and counter-attacking plays—will be key as they build towards reclaiming the World Cup crown they last won in 2015.

Australia's Wallabies, hosting the 2027 World Cup, are perhaps the team with the most to prove. After a disastrous 2023 under Eddie Jones, which saw them exit the pool stages for the first time, Joe Schmidt has taken over with a mandate to stabilize and rebuild. Schmidt, renowned for his meticulous, structured approach from his Ireland days, is focusing on fundamentals: set-piece accuracy, defensive organization, and efficient phase play. The squad features a mix of experienced heads like James Slipper and Nic White, alongside exciting prospects such as fly-half Noah Lolesio and winger Max Jorgensen. Injuries have hampered preparations, but the return of players like Will Skelton could bolster their forward pack. The Wallabies' clashes with South Africa will be pivotal, offering a chance to measure progress against the best. Schmidt's goal is clear: use this Championship to foster a winning culture and identify a core group that can peak in four years' time on home soil.

Argentina's Pumas, who impressed at the 2023 World Cup by reaching the semi-finals, are building on that momentum under coach Felipe Contepomi. A former player who understands the team's passionate, physical style, Contepomi is integrating European-based stars like Pablo Matera and Julian Montoya with homegrown talent from the Jaguares setup. Their strength lies in a ferocious forward battle and opportunistic backline play, often led by the creative genius of fly-half Santiago Carreras. However, consistency has been an issue, and they'll need to address discipline and breakdown efficiency to compete with the big three. Starting with away games against New Zealand, the Pumas will aim for upsets that could accelerate their development trajectory towards 2027.

Beyond individual team narratives, the Rugby Championship as a whole represents a strategic battleground. With the next World Cup cycle in full swing, coaches are prioritizing player rotation and exposure to high-stakes environments. Expect debates around law variations, such as potential tweaks to scrum and maul rules, influencing how teams prepare. Injury management will be crucial, given the grueling schedule that includes trans-continental travel. For fans, the highlight will be the classic rivalries: the Bledisloe Cup between Australia and New Zealand, and the Mandela Plate clashes between South Africa and Australia. These matches not only carry historical weight but also serve as barometers for form.

Predictions for the tournament favor South Africa to retain their title, given their depth and experience, but New Zealand's new energy could make it a close contest. Australia and Argentina, while underdogs, have the potential for surprises, especially if they capitalize on any transitional vulnerabilities in their opponents. As the heavyweights jostle for supremacy, the underlying theme is clear: every try, tackle, and team selection is a step towards assembling squads capable of World Cup glory in 2027. The Championship isn't just about immediate silverware; it's about laying foundations for the future of southern hemisphere rugby dominance.

This year's edition also spotlights broader trends in the sport. The influence of club commitments, particularly in Europe and Japan, means coaches must navigate player availability carefully. For instance, South Africa's dual-contract system allows flexibility, while New Zealand grapples with talent drain. Tactical evolutions, such as hybrid attacking shapes blending power and precision, will be on display, potentially setting templates for the global game. Emerging narratives include the rise of Pacific Island heritage players across squads, adding cultural depth and physical edge. As the tournament unfolds over six rounds, culminating in October, it will provide invaluable insights into which nations are best positioned for 2027 success.

In summary, the Rugby Championship is more than a regional contest—it's the opening chapter in a four-year saga of ambition, adaptation, and aspiration. With heavyweights sharpening their tools, the stage is set for drama, development, and defining moments that could shape the next World Cup era. (Word count: 1,028)

Read the Full Channel NewsAsia Singapore Article at:
[ https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/preview-heavyweights-begin-2027-world-cup-squad-build-in-rugby-championship-5290076 ]

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