Rugby Australia want 2027 World Cup bid to have a national footprint

Namibia were five days removed from a 142-0 thrashing at the hands of the Wallabies. Romania hadn't fared too much better when they faced the hosts in a 90-8 defeat.

Yet still, 15,457 turned up to watch Namibia and Romania play a pool match which effectively decided who would finish last in their group.

If you lived in an odd-numbered house, you barracked for Romania. Those who lived in even-numbered houses on the same street pledged their allegiance to Namibia.

Two nations like that sparked a moment to remember for rugby in Tasmania, and now Australian Minister for Sport Colbeck wants more of the same as Rugby Australia launches its bid to host the 2027 World Cup.

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Colbeck and Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan want the event to have a national footprint, though only eight to 10 venues will be chosen to host games.

"The 2003 one showed how important that is, because it actually brings the whole country in," Colbeck said.

"That's really important for rugby, for where it is now, for what it's looking to achieve. It's looking to rebuild its place on the global stage.

"What better way to inspire people to play the game than the opportunity to see their heroes running around on home soil, competing for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

"I'm sure for an event as big as the Rugby World Cup final, there will be plenty of competition. We have fantastic sporting stadia in Australia, world-renowned stadiums, so the opportunity for them to host an event like this will be sought after."

World Rugby requires stadiums to have a capacity of at least 15,000 to host games, with the stadium for the final having a capacity of at least 60,000.

Stadium Australia, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and Perth Stadium are contenders. The latter seems a dark horse but a favourable time zone for a match beamed into England and France could work in Perth's favour.

Rugby Australia chief executive Andy Marinos is prepared for the politics of trying to win votes to host the tournament which is seen as theirs to lose.

"You can never say never. It was not too long ago South Africa were the firm favourites to win 2023, and then at the last minute that turned on them," Marinos said.

"We're certainly putting ourselves in the best position we can to put our best foot forward.

"It's the way World Cups are won, not only in rugby but in most sports. That's part of the process we have to go through.

"If you look at the compelling bid we're going to put together, the fact it's a safe and secure destination, and we have a history of hosting big events, hopefully it's going to go our way."

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