At the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the four best sides in the world by a considerable margin - and ranked in the top four as such - were Ireland, South Africa, France and New Zealand. Yet, all four ended up on the same side of the draw and met in the quarter-finals.
England will face Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Rugby's key dates, fixtures and schedule for 2026: England, Ireland, Wales, Scotland, Red Roses, Six Nations, Nations Championship summer and Autumn Tests, Women's Six Nations.
New Zealand kicked on to blow Wales away 52-26 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, as Welsh hopes were extinguished despite Tom Rogers' hat-trick.
Harri Deaves will complete his journey from roofer to Wales international against New Zealand on Saturday, as Louis Rees-Zammit starts again.
It's been labelled a "tectonic shift", set to shake up the world of rugby union, but what is the Nations Championship - and how will it revolutionise the game? Here's all you need to know…
England arrested a 13-year wait for victory over New Zealand on home soil with a statement 33-19 victory at a rejoicing Twickenham.
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