The Springboks have been drawn with Italy, Georgia, and Romania for the pool stages of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where they will be aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title after lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in Japan in 2019 and France in 2023.
The Boks have faced all three of their pool opponents in Rugby World Cups before, Romania in 1995 and 1999, Georgia in 2003, and Italy in 2019.
The draw was done in Australia on Wednesday morning (SA time), with the 24 participating teams split into four bands according to their world rankings, with the teams randomly selected into the six pools.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was satisfied with the pool draw as they continue to put the building blocks in place to stake a claim for a possible third RWC title in a row.
“We are pleased with the pool we have been drawn in, but this is a World Cup, and every team will go out there with great passion and do their utmost to represent their nations with pride,” said Erasmus.
“There have been surprises in the tournament before, so we’ll need to be up mentally and physically for every match.”
Erasmus added: “Italy may be ranked 10th in the world, but they showed us what they are capable of when they hit their straps earlier this season, even though the scorelines may not have reflected that.
“Georgia and Romania are also extremely physical and passionate teams, and we’ve faced them before, so we know how tough they can be on the day if we give them space and opportunities to play to their potential.”
Hosts Australia have been drawn in Pool A with New Zealand, Chile, and Hong Kong China; while Pool C features Argentina, Fiji, Spain, and Canada.
Ireland has been drawn in Pool D with Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal; Pool E will see France, Japan, 2031 RWC hosts the USA, and Samoa being pitted against one another, while England, Wales, Tonga, and Zimbabwe will battle it out in Pool F.