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As many fans in the UK concentrate on their clubs' season-opening fortunes or discuss forthcoming autumn internationals, the contest for 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification continues at full pace.

Chile's Remarkable Accomplishment

Chile secured their second consecutive appearance at the tournament with a sensational playoff victory over Samoa last month, leaving one place left to be claimed for the host nation in two years. Meanwhile, Paraguay surprised Brazil by twenty points in the first leg of their qualifying series.

The second leg is scheduled on Saturday in Jacareí, near São Paulo, as Brazil's men's team attempts to follow the women's success and secure qualification for the first time.

Upcoming Qualifying Showdown

Whether Paraguay completes a shock overall victory, or Brazil recovers after head coach Emiliano Caffera's departure, the lineup for November's Dubai qualification tournament will then be finalized. Namibia, Belgium, and Samoa are already confirmed their places for the Dubai-based showdown from 8-18 November.

Global Qualifying Developments

Several additional nations have also earned their places. The Hong Kong China team achieved maiden World Cup entry after beating Korea 70-22 in July, while Zimbabwe will make a comeback to the sport's most prestigious stage for the first occasion in over three decades by virtue of claiming victory in the Rugby Africa Cup.

Chile's Rising Profile

The knock-on effect of Chile's playoff success means that Los Condores will play against Italy for the first occasion next month during the autumn internationals, taking the place of Samoa who must compete in Dubai.

The global governing body's CEO called Chile an "exciting and fast-emerging force" in confirming the upcoming match in the Italian city. As local rugby promotional efforts aim for increased attendance, rugby in Chile is buoyant. A sell-out audience of over 20,000 saw the qualifying win in Viña del Mar, and manager the national coach has led the team on an improving path since his appointment in recent years.

Coach's Notable Legacy

The fifty-year-old former Uruguay international forward has been influencing the game for decades: recruited by the English club in the late 90s, he memorably broke through England defensive line to touch down at the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

His impact as national coach has been equally powerful: Chile have climbed to seventeenth place, their highest-ever position. At the last World Cup in Europe, they were beaten four times, conceding 215 points and registering 27, including a 71-0 loss to England.

However, they proudly took the positives, and after the 2027 draw in Sydney on 3 December, the coach can start preparations in earnest. They faced the Scottish team last year, losing by a significant margin before 24,000 fans, and while they were defeated across two legs by Uruguay in the initial qualifying round, they achieved a narrow away victory in Montevideo.

Samoa's Qualifying Challenge

The Samoan team, in contrast, have not missed every Rugby World Cup for decades, but are presently sitting in 16th place in the global rankings. They were winless in the recent regional tournament, leading to qualifying disappointment against Chile, and the requirement to face nations such as Belgium brings additional challenge for the rugby-loving country.

Competition Structural Updates

Beyond specific teams' fortunes, it is important to consider how different the expanded competition will appear in the next edition. For the first occasion, there will be a round of 16 with six groups of four instead of four groups of five. Group phase jeopardy is significantly reduced because the four best third-place teams will additionally advance.

Host Nation and Rankings Implications

The hosts, the Australian team, are currently ranked seventh in the global rankings, which means they would miss out on a top seed and could meet one of South Africa, the All Blacks, the Irish, France, the English, or the Pumas in their group. They may climb into the top six during a packed autumn schedule, though: England, Italy, the Irish squad, and the French team are their opponents, with a match against Japan in the capital additionally scheduled for 25 October.

Wales, on the other hand, are teetering in twelfth place, with Japan below, and the implications of falling to thirteenth and into pot three are potentially severe.

American Representation and Future Events

An additional fresh aspect for 2027 is the participation of five teams from the American continent: Argentina, Uruguay, the United States, Canada, and Chile – with either Paraguay or Brazil potentially becoming the sixth. From World Rugby's perspective, engagement from the Americas is beneficial, particularly with the 2031 tournament set to be hosted by the United States, and the host selection for the 2035 edition was launched recently.

Immediate Focus

For now, though. The second installment of Brazil v Paraguay prepares a four-team qualifying contest, combined with a possible rankings shake-up throughout Europe in the coming month. Regardless of the outcome, Chile's qualification for a second Rugby World Cup has already made them as a clear triumphant example.