Head to head: Will France be the greatest obstacle in Springboks’ 2027 title defence?

The 2027 Rugby World Cup is fast approaching, and the defending champions Springboks will have a huge target on their backs, with the likes of France, England, New Zealand, Ireland and Australia all looking well placed to launch a serious title challenge.

But who will be the Springboks’ greatest threat? In this new article series, Mariette Adams and Craig Lewis debate whether France will be the greatest rival for the defending champs at the next World Cup.

Should the Springboks be most wary of France?

Adams says … No

Italy, England, New Zealand and Australia all have the pedigree and pathway to challenge the Springboks’ bid for a third straight title.

Victor Matfield believes France will be South Africa’s greatest rivals at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is a fair assessment given France’s depth and recent consistency at Test level. Yet framing the title race around one European challenger overlooks a far more complicated reality.

The Springboks are not defending a title in isolation. They are entering a tournament with an expanded format, a Round of 16, and four potential knockout weekends. That structure alone increases the likelihood of facing multiple elite opponents in succession.

Rassie Erasmus has already identified Italy as a side on the rise and recent seasons have validated that warning.

Italy beat Australia 26-19 in Udine last November and opened their Six Nations campaign by edging Scotland 18-15 in Rome last weekend with composed, tactically sharp performances. Another feather in their cap is that they pushed the Springboks hard in Turin last year before fading late in the contest which they ultimately lost 32-14.

Drawn with the Boks in Pool B, Italy hold the power to shape the entire knockout pathway. A single pool defeat could force the Springboks into a far tougher play-off route than they would like. In that context, the Azzurri represent far more than just a dark horse, they are a genuine tournament disruptor.

England’s resurgence under Steve Borthwick adds further intrigue to the 2027 World Cup equation. A dominant Six Nations win over Wales underlined their attacking threat and forward dominance. More importantly, England have rediscovered the art of performing consistently in high-pressure Tests.

Should they top Pool F, they may collide with a Pool B runner-up in the Round of 16. That scenario could potentially bring the Roses and the Springboks together earlier than expected. And given England’s World Cup pedigree, that is hardly a secondary concern.

Both the All Blacks and Wallabies are currently in a transition phase, but when the RWC rolls around it’ll be entirely different reality, one which could derail the Springboks’ quest for an unprecedented three-peat.

New Zealand are arguably the most consistent team in Test rugby and writing them off in favour of France ignores decades of evidence.

Then there is Australia whose history in Rugby World Cups also demands respect. The Wallabies have appeared in every Rugby World Cup and won the tournament twice, placing them among the elite trio of nations to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

Lewis says … Yes

Absolutely, just take a look at France’s most recent performance against Ireland, and you can see what a complete team Les Bleus most certainly are.

France remain firm favourites to defend their Six Nations title, and when they can call on the services of Antoine Dupont, there is just something special that seems to be created every time they take to the field.

Throw in the likes of superstar wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey among several mercurial backline players in addition to a formidable forward pack, and it all makes for a very dangerous prospect.

Of course, the Springboks did defeat France despite receiving a red card in their last battle on the end-of-year tour, but I think this team will be peaking by the time the 2027 World Cup rolls around.

New Zealand are in a state of transition as a new coaching staff will soon be appointed, while Ireland appear to be in decline.

England look to be on the rise and could certainly be a strong contender at the global showpiece next year, but there are few teams in world rugby that can truly tear an opponent apart like France can.

Fabien Galthié’s team will also be out for revenge against the Springboks after South Africa eliminated them at their home World Cup in 2023, and they are simply the sort of opponent that has the ability to throw the Springboks off their game.