The venues and logistics of a move in a country as vast as Australia still need to be confirmed, but Argentina already knows the group’s rivals and can start charting its way to the top. The World Cup is scheduled to be held in 2027. Crosses with Fiji, Spain and Canada appear on the horizon for the Puma in Group C.
With the change in format in this edition, The Pumas will be favorites to finish first in their region. His top-tier selection status and his recent numbers and results support him as a top contender in it A group that regards Fiji as the only serious opponent to hold this leadership position. The Islanders are coming off the best World Cup in their history, after beating the Wallabies in the group stage in France 2023 (leaving them in third place), and putting them in a difficult position with England in the quarter-finals, in a match in which they were harmed by the refereeing.
however, Fiji is an inconsistent team. Chameleon team. It can be gritty or tepid depending on the day. A threat to any defense or competitor with permanent holes and gaps. The last World Cup was a total test; Just as they had defeated the Wallabies and played England on equal terms, they lost in the group stage to Portugal, a weaker opponent. In Japan 2019, they lost to Uruguay and did not qualify for the next stage.
In last November’s window, Fiji competed well against England and France, although they ended up losing 38-18 and 34-21 respectively. In addition, they beat Spain 41-33, which will be their group rival in Australia. A historic force in the sevens, with illustrious names in the top 14 and in the Premier League. The powerful Josua Toisova He is their main threat, although the likes of Giota Winigolo, Calaviti Ravovo, Celestino Ravotaumada, Salesi Rayasi and Cirelj Makala pose a threat in a dangerous backline, capable of generating breaks from any sector of the pitch. Although the group has not historically been a strong ally, it has improved in recent years. This season they have brought in former All Black Pita-Gus Sowakula, a teammate of Markus Kremer and Bautista Deljoy at Clermont.
The pillars and opening position are still a deficit for the Oceania team, which has improved with the competition. Without a strong build, he relies on his natural talent and passion for rugby, the national sport. The incorporation of the Fijian Drua team into Super Rugby starting in 2022 has expanded the player base and given them greater competition against the New Zealand and Australian teams. Led by Australian Mick Byrne, they will participate in the New Nations Championship in 2026, which will increase their competitiveness against the powers that be.
The Pumas’ only previous history against group rivals was against Fiji, specifically in their first World Cup appearance in New Zealand in 1987, in one of the great disappointments in Argentine history: they arrived red-hot in Hamilton and lost 28-9, only to be eliminated in the first round.
The last official match against Fiji was in 2003, at the Chateau Carreras stadium in Cordoba, with Argentina winning 49-30. The lack of training against an opponent with these characteristics could be a motivator, though the Pumas will have to balance their favoritism. With their team game, they will have to impose conditions.
For her part, Spain will compete in the World Cup finals for the second time in its history, after participating in 1999. He will arrive at Australia 2027 on the rise, after two disappointing spells: in Japan 2019 and in France 2023, he was excluded from the World Cup for improperly fielding players in qualifying matches.
The Argentine player base gave them a jump in quality. Pablo Boza of Rosario, Australia’s 2003 World Cup winner, is the head coach and Estanislao Bey of Santa Fe is one of the key figures. Gonzalo Lopez Bontempo is the team’s top scorer, while Martiniano Cian and Iñaki Mateu play a key role in the defence. Former Pometa Vicente Borronat and Joaquín Dominguez add value to the group, in a team aiming to qualify for the round of 16. With his sevens team in the elite and his under-20 team competing with the major powers, he will be looking to Australia 2027 as his final start.
Canada will arrive as the weakest in the group. He ranks 25th in the rankings and is the worst ranked in the World Cup. Without a strong local structure and without the Toronto Arrows competing in Major League Rugby, they are unable to take off. A shadow of their own women’s team, which a few months ago reached the World Cup final. A 34-20 win over the United States was enough to qualify for Australia 2027. They then lost their remaining eight matches and did not face any top-flight nation.
His great character is Tyler Ardron, who plays in the top 14 at Custer. The third row returned to the team against the United States and was decisive with four tries in that match. After being eliminated from the 2023 French Championships, Canada will compete in the World Cup for the 10th time. It is a far cry from being the team that reached the quarterfinals in 1991, but they will try to be as competitive as possible.