Ireland’s favourable potential route to the final following RWC 2027 draw
- South Africa vs New Zealand: TV channel, where to watch, kick-off time & team news for third Test - September 4, 2026
- All Blacks prop fires warning shot at Springboks ahead of third Test - September 4, 2026
- All Blacks legend takes huge swipe at Springboks as Victor Matfield hits back - September 4, 2026
Route to the Final.
Ireland’s record at the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup leaves a lot to be desired.
The men in green have failed to get past the quarter finals of the tournament every time they have participated, but they will be hoping that will change in 2027.
Andy Farrell’s side have been drawn alongside Scotland, Uruguay and Portugal in a new expanded 24-team competition for Australia 2027, with a Round of 16 to contend with also.
So, how does a potential route to the final look this time around? Pretty good if you ask us.
Ireland will, of course, be expecting to top their group, and if they do so, that will give them a favourable draw in the last 16 against one of the four best third-placed teams.
Then it would likely be a quarter-final clash against old rivals Argentina, who infamously knocked Ireland out at this stage in 2015 following a string of injuries.
Then, it looks like a potential semi-final showdown with England or tournament hosts Australia.
When you look at Ireland’s potential routes in previous tournaments, this is easily the most favourable they have ever had, with the likes of South Africa and New Zealand on the other side of the draw.
But we won’t get carried away just yet…


