Boks no issue for All Blacks in quest for 2027 RWC glory
SPOTLIGHT: New Zealand captain Scott Barrett on Thursday said that the All Blacks had no fear of potentially meeting South Africa in the 2027 World Cup quarterfinals but admitted they must peak at the right time.
The rugby powerhouses, ranked No.1 and No.2 in the world, are on a collision course for a blockbuster last-eight clash should they both win their groups at the tournament in Australia, then get through the Round of 16.
The four-time champion Springboks, gunning for an unprecedented third straight title, were pitted with Italy, Georgia and Romania at the draw in Sydney on Wednesday.
New Zealand were grouped alongside Australia, Chile and debutants Hong Kong.
“Along the way you’re going to play potentially number one, two and three in the world and it might not be in the Final,” said Barrett.
“So that’s the beauty of the World Cup. You’re going to have to peak at the right time.”
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Three-time champions New Zealand travel to South Africa in 2026 for a series billed as the “Greatest Rivalry” – the first traditional tour involving rugby union’s historic superpowers for three decades.
They will play three Tests at Johannesburg and Cape Town, and a fourth at a neutral venue.
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The World Cup is on October 1-November 13 the following year.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said if they meet the Springboks in the World Cup quarterfinals, they will treat it as “just another time” to “have a crack”.
“You’re coming into a World Cup, you’re going to have to face someone in form to win it,” he added.
“So if the quarterfinal fits the way it works out, that’s the best part of the draw. You embrace it.”
New Zealand must first ensure they beat the host Wallabies to top their group, with the Pool A showdown between the bitter rivals potentially opening the tournament at Perth Stadium.
The fixture list will be unveiled on February 3.
“Obviously, there’s no guarantee to it, but if it is at Optus [Perth Stadium] and you’re playing in a full house, it is pretty special,” said Robertson.
“It will be a pretty special moment and one that is a play you look forward to. So close to home, there will be a lot of Kiwis there.”
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