LINDIZ VAN ZILLA looks at the teams in Bands 2, 3 and 4 for the 2027 World Cup draw in Sydney on Wednesday (11am SA time).

BAND 2

WALLABIES (Ranked 7)

FIJI (8)
Fiji qualified automatically by finishing in the top three of their pool at the 2023 World Cup. Their historic quarter-final run in France, which included a famous win over Australia, confirmed their rise as a balanced threat. No team blends offload-heavy chaos with structured forward play quite like Fiji, who beat Georgia in 2023 to seal qualification. With a growing core of Europe-based stars and improved discipline, Fiji arrive in 2027 as a genuine contender capable of flooring any heavyweight.

SCOTLAND (9)
Scotland booked their 2027 spot after finishing third in the “Pool of Death” with South Africa and Ireland at the 2023 World Cup. Known for sharp attacking systems, breakdown menace and playmakers like Finn Russell, they remain one of the world’s most competitive sides outside the top tier. Their challenge remains converting close contests into statement wins.

ITALY (10)
Italy secured automatic qualification through a top-three pool finish at the 2023 World Cup. Despite heavy defeats to New Zealand and France, they beat Uruguay and Namibia to seal their place. Under Gonzalo Quesada, Italy have added physicality, structured attack and improved defence. Their backline spark and growing depth make them more competitive than ever, and their ambition is clear – to reach the knockout stage for the first time in history.

2027 RWC: Main contenders await draw fate

WALES (11)
The fallen giants of world rugby. A top-three finish in their 2023 World Cup pool ensured Wales avoided qualifiers. They beat Fiji, Portugal and Australia in France, qualifying with a perfect pool record. However, since then, Wales have undergone a painful rebuild and three previous semi-final appearances seem a long, long way away now. Still, they have a crop of eager young players who will gain valuable experience between now and the World Cup and who would like nothing more than to restore Welsh rugby pride.

JAPAN (12)
Japan also qualified directly by beating Chile and Samoa and pushing Argentina close at the 2023 World Cup. The Brave Blossoms continue to redefine Asian rugby with speed, accuracy and tactical innovation. Their 2015 and 2019 World Cup upsets still echo across the sport, and with an evolving generation of talent, they are aiming for a place in the knockouts in 2027.

MORE: All you need to know about 2027 RWC

BAND 3

GEORGIA (13)
Georgia qualified by finishing third in their 2023 pool, drawing with Portugal and defeating no one but advancing through World Rugby’s automatic pathway due to finishing above Romania. Their world-class scrum, powerful maul and growing backline ambition are key weapons. Georgia will be targeting a first tier-one scalp at a World Cup in 2027.

URUGUAY (14)
Uruguay sealed qualification by finishing third in their 2023 pool after beating Namibia and delivering brave performances against France and Italy. One of rugby’s fastest-rising teams, Los Teros blend organisation, spirit and improved professionalism. Having stunned Fiji in 2019, they enter 2027 confident in their ability to upset another of the traditional giants.

SPAIN (15)
Spain qualified by winning the European regional pathway, edging past Portugal and Georgia in a competitive Rugby Europe Championship. This marks their first-ever World Cup appearance after past eligibility setbacks. Fast, disciplined and backed by a growing club system, Spain enter 2027 hungry to show they belong at the top table.

USA (16)
The USA secured their spot through the Americas qualification final, beating Canada and Chile in a two-leg regional series. With Major League Rugby expanding depth and pathways, the Eagles are looking to make a good impression ahead of 2031 when they will host the tournament. Their athleticism and improved set-piece give them real upset potential.

CHILE (17)
Chile qualified through the repechage pathway, beating Kenya and narrowly losing to the USA but advancing through aggregate standings. Los Cóndores impressed in their 2023 debut and return with youth, pace and fearless ambition. Their high-tempo attack makes them dangerous early in games.

MORE: Chile stamp ticket to 2027 RWC

TONGA (18)
Tonga claimed their spot by winning the Oceania qualification playoff against Samoa and then sealing the final berth by beating Hong Kong. With more Europe-based stars eligible under new rules, Tonga enter the 2027 World Cup with improved depth, physicality and game-changing power.

BAND 4

SAMOA (19)
Samoa qualified after drawing 13-13 with Belgium in the last match of the Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai. Trademark flair, bruising defence and a reinforced squad of Premiership and Super Rugby players make them perennial giant-killers. Their 1990s quarter-final pedigree still fuels belief and they are fan favourites.

MORE: Samoa snatch final 2027 World Cup berth

PORTUGAL (20)
Portugal returned to the World Cup by winning Europe’s final qualification slot, beating Romania and Netherlands during the cycle. Their vibrant attacking style, disciplined structure and fearless approach made them fan favourites in France in 2023 when they recorded a first-ever win, over Fiji, and also drew with Georgia.

ROMANIA (22)
Romania qualified through the Europe 2 slot, finishing second in the Rugby Europe Championship. A traditional powerhouse still rebuilding, the Oaks rely on set-piece strength and rugged forward play. Though lacking the depth of old, they remain fiercely competitive.

HONG KONG (23)
Hong Kong advanced through Asian qualification before losing to Samoa, but managed to secure the final Asia spot through a regional playoff. Fast, disciplined and improving technically, they make their debut with momentum and a growing domestic structure.

ZIMBABWE (24)
Zimbabwe qualified with a 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Africa Cup final. Physical, passionate and developing rapidly through South African rugby exposure, the Sables return to the World Cup for the first time since 1991.

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CANADA (25)
Canada booked their place through the Americas repechage, beating Brazil and Colombia after failing to advance in earlier rounds. A consistent World Cup nation, Canada lean on physicality, work rate and a proud rugby heritage as they aim to rediscover their 1991 form when they lost to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.