Samoa Book the Final Place as World Cup 2027 Draw Looms Large

Samoa have been ever present at the Rugby World Cup since 1991, and that run will continue into 2027 as they just about secured qualification in the crucial match.  

They needed a draw against Belgium to finish top of the final qualification group, which was exactly what came to pass as their all-or-nothing clash with the Belgians in Dubai ended in a 13-13 stalemate.

It saved the Samoans from the embarrassment of losing out to a much lower-ranked opponent, while confirming their name will be in the Rugby World Cup 2027 draw, which takes place in December.

Kiwis Conquered

Even though the tournament is still the best part of two years away, the road to Australia is well underway.

England’s Autumn international win over New Zealand has shaken up the sports betting odds for the 2027 World Cup. As of the odds on the 18th November, the Kiwis have eased out to 5/2 ahead of defending champions South Africa (11/4).

The new format of the tournament, which will incorporate six groups of four teams, will see punters racing for their accas calculator as they look to back the favourites against the underdogs.

Match Report ✍️

Read all about England’s famous victory over the All Blacks below! 👇#ENGvNZL

— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) November 15, 2025

The teams will be split into four bands of six teams, based upon world ranking, with one team from each band making up each individual group.

It means that top-tier nations like England, New Zealand and South Africa could face one of Canada, Portugal, Romania, Zimbabwe or World Cup debutants Hong Kong – games they would be expected to run up a cricket score in.

But the improvement in the emerging nations has been such that the decision was taken to expand the World Cup from 20 to 24 teams on that basis, with fewer one-sided contests expected.

Growing the Game

Georgia and Portugal were cited as two of the most impressive emerging nations at the 2023 edition, with the Georgians continuing to develop to the point that they’re now in the second band of teams for 2027 – affording them opportunities to enjoy winnable games against nations from bands three and four at the tournament.

Ireland, Argentina and France will join England, New Zealand and South Africa in Band 1, while Scotland and Wales will have to make do with a place in Band 2 with the Georgians, Fiji, Italy and host nation Australia.

Band 3 will see Chile, Japan, Spain, Uruguay and the USA joined by Samoa, whose qualification sees Pacific rivals Tonga relegated to Band 4 alongside Canada, Hong Kong, Portugal, Romania and Zimbabwe.

 

🇼🇸 @manusamoa book their place in their 10th Men’s Rugby World Cup 🙌 #RWC2027 pic.twitter.com/ST4pEeJUjJ

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 18, 2025

However, this is still somewhat open to change, with the world rankings at the end of the November internationals used to determine the bands.
At the tournament itself, which will be held in October-November 2027, the top two teams from each pool will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, where they will be joined by the four best third-place finishers.
A straight knockout phase will then be used to determine the finalists, with said final tentatively scheduled for November 13.
Could South Africa become the first team in World Cup history to rack up a hat-trick of victories? Or will England end a 24-year wait to get their hands on the trophy?