Super Sunday, Cup debuts and trans-Tasman spice

The Wallabies will host the All Blacks
The Wallabies will host the All Blacks in a Sydney pool fixture at next year's Rugby World Cup.-AAP Image

2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP FIXTURE HIGHLIGHTS

*  Expanded 24-team tournament features 52 matches, 19 match days, seven cities and eight venues, with games clustered around weekends to accommodate fans.

* Australia's mouth-watering Sydney pool clash with co-hosts New Zealand, on October 9, will be the teams' second Rugby World Cup fixtures.

* The Wallabies begin their campaign in the tournament opener against Cup debutants Hong Kong in Perth on October 1.

* Australia's final pool game is against Chile in Brisbane on October 16.

* Two-time defending champions South Africa begin their quest for a historic third straight title against Italy in Adelaide on October 3.

* Final in Sydney on November 13.

* Pool stage concludes with a historic five-game day on October 17, dubbed Super Sunday.

* The top two from all six pools, plus the four best third-placed teams, progress to knockout round-of-16 games in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.