Wallabies dare to dream a year out from home World Cup
Australia lock Jeremy Williams says he would back the Wallabies to win the 2027 Rugby World Cup at home. The call comes a year out from the tournament. It follows a climb from 10th in the world after the pool-stage exit in 2023 to sixth now.
Australia travel to face New Zealand on a five-match unbeaten run. They have not beaten the All Blacks in six years. Their next chance is at Eden Park in Auckland, where New Zealand have not lost in 53 Tests stretching back to 1994, according to The Guardian.
The All Blacks are under strain. They were winless in their series against South Africa, the Springboks. They now face the prospect of four consecutive defeats for the first time since 1998.
Australia’s recent form has substance. They beat South Africa 42-38 in Perth. They then secured a first series win in Argentina.
Belief is growing. Williams has stepped into the Wallabies captaincy role. The Western Force skipper, Wallaby No. 973, recommitted to the Force and Rugby Australia until the end of the home World Cup, and Perth is his adopted hometown, according to Rugby Australia.
Selection is tight for the New Zealand game. Centre Hunter Paisami is suspended and will miss the clash. Josh Canham and Len Ikitau are injury doubts. Prop Taniela Tupou and flanker Tom Hooper are absent after returning to their clubs in Europe. Uncapped 22-year-old Toby Macpherson has been called in as cover for lock — the second-row forwards who power the scrum and lineout — and the back row.
Off the field, the countdown is on. Final tickets have gone on sale one year before the opening match between the Wallabies and Hong Kong in Perth. More than half of the 2.5 million tickets have already been sold, with 43% of sold tickets bought by overseas fans.
Organisers say more than 2.5 million tickets will be made available in total, more than for any previous men’s tournament, according to Rugby World Cup 2027.
What makes this stand out is history. Australia last lifted the trophy in 1999, when former Wallaby Tim Horan won his second World Cup after 1991. For newcomers, that is the prize at stake: world champions at home, in front of a record crowd.
