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.
South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth has been handed a 12-week suspension for what an independent disciplinary committee considered an 'intentional' eye gouge of Wales' Alex Mann last Saturday.
England captain Maro Itoje and head coach Steve Borthwick have both said their aims are "definitely to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup" in Australia, reacting to Wednesday's pool stage draw.
England will face Wales, Tonga and Zimbabwe in the pool stages of the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
South Africa inflicted Wales' worst-ever defeat in Cardiff as the hosts lost 73-0, conceding 11 tries.
To face this current iteration of South Africa's Springboks is one of the biggest challenges in rugby at the moment. To face them with the majority of your matchday squad unavailable borders on ludicrous.
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.
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