🔗 Share this article

While many supporters in the UK concentrate on their clubs' season-opening fortunes or discuss forthcoming fall test matches, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification rages on unabated.

Chile's Historic Accomplishment

Chile earned their second consecutive appearance at the competition with a sensational qualifying win against Samoa recently, leaving a single place left to be claimed for the host nation in two years. At the same time, the Paraguayan side surprised Brazil by twenty points in the opening match of their qualifying series.

The return match takes place this Saturday in the Brazilian city, close to São Paulo, as Brazil's squad aims to emulate their women's success and secure qualification for the first time.

Forthcoming Qualification Clash

Regardless of Paraguay manages a surprise aggregate victory, or Brazil bounces back following manager Emiliano Caffera's departure, the lineup for November's Dubai qualification tournament will then be finalized. Namibia, Belgium, and Samoa are already confirmed their places for the Middle Eastern showdown from November 8th to 18th.

Worldwide Qualification Developments

Many additional nations have also earned their places. Hong Kong China achieved maiden World Cup entry following defeating Korea by a large margin in the summer, and Zimbabwe will make a comeback to the sport's most prestigious stage for the first occasion in over three decades after claiming victory in the Rugby Africa Cup.

Chile's Rising Reputation

The consequence of Chile's qualifying triumph ensures that Los Condores will face Italy for the first time next month during the fall test series, replacing Samoa who must compete in Dubai.

The global governing body's chief executive called Chile an "exciting and rapidly rising power" in announcing the upcoming fixture in Genoa. As local the sport markets seek increased attendance, rugby in Chile is buoyant. A capacity crowd of over 20,000 witnessed the qualifying win in Viña del Mar, and manager Pablo Lemoine has guided the team on an improving path since taking over in recent years.

Manager's Notable Career

The 50-year-old former Uruguayan prop has been influencing the game for decades: signed by the English club in the late 90s, he memorably ran straight through England defense to score at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His impact as national coach has been similarly powerful: Chile have climbed to 17th, their best ranking. At the previous tournament in Europe, they were beaten four times, conceding 215 points and scoring twenty-seven, featuring a 71-0 defeat against the English team.

Nevertheless, they proudly took the positives, and following the tournament draw in Australia on December 3rd, the coach can begin planning seriously. They faced Scotland last year, losing by a significant margin in front of 24,000 fans, and although they were beaten over two legs by the Uruguayan side in the first qualifying round, they achieved a 21-18 away victory in Montevideo.

The Samoan Qualification Struggle

Samoa, in contrast, have not missed all World Cup for decades, but are currently languishing in 16th place in the global rankings. They were without a victory in the recent Pacific Nations Cup, resulting in playoff misery against Chile, and the requirement to meet teams like Belgium adds additional difficulty for the proud rugby nation.

Tournament Format Changes

Apart from individual nations' fortunes, it is worth noting how different the expanded competition will appear in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a knockout stage with six groups of four rather than four pools of five. Pool-stage jeopardy is much lower because the four best third-placed sides will also advance.

Hosts and Rankings Consequences

The organizers, Australia, are now placed seventh in the world, meaning they would fall short on top seeding and might meet either South Africa, New Zealand, the Irish, France, the English, or Argentina in their group. They could climb into the highest seeds during a busy November, though: England, the Italian side, Ireland, and France are their opponents, with a match versus Japan in Tokyo additionally scheduled for 25 October.

Wales, meanwhile, are teetering in 12th, with the Japanese side behind, and the consequences of dropping to 13th and into pot three are potentially significant.

Americas Representation and Upcoming Events

An additional fresh aspect for 2027 is the presence of five nations from the American continent: Argentina, the Uruguayan side, USA, Canada, and the Chilean squad – with either Paraguay or Brazil possibly making it six. From World Rugby's perspective, American interest is beneficial, especially with the 2031 tournament set to be hosted by the USA, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was launched recently.

Current Focus

For now, though. The return match of Brazil v Paraguay sets up a four-way Dubai shootout, combined with a potential rankings shake-up across Europe in the coming month. No matter how things pan out, Chile's qualification for a second consecutive World Cup has already established them as a resounding success story.