Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has issued a cautionary note to those expecting the All Blacks to easily defeat Australia in their upcoming Pool A encounter at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. While New Zealand boasts an impressive 11-match winning streak against the Wallabies and holds a higher world ranking, Erasmus argues that the advantage of playing on home soil can significantly influence the outcome of crucial matches.
Erasmus points to historical instances that illustrate the impact of home-ground advantage, referencing South Africa’s unexpected victory in the 1995 World Cup and France’s impressive run in 2023. He emphasizes that it is a considerable mistake to assume the All Blacks will automatically advance in the tournament.
As Australia prepares to host New Zealand, this match is already being dubbed the most eagerly awaited pool game of the competition. Erasmus believes that factors such as travel demands, managing jet lag, and tight match turnarounds will put additional pressure on all teams involved in the World Cup, making the Wallabies a challenging opponent.
Erasmus, whose Springboks may face the winner of Pool A in the quarter-finals, acknowledges that both powerhouses will encounter difficult pathways in the tournament. He remarks, “Playing the host in their pool, New Zealand’s going to have a tough time, as we will, to get to that game against us.”
With high stakes and the unpredictability of knockout rugby, the upcoming clash promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the passion and intensity that the World Cup is known for.
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