With 16 going through, the draw means very little. It would be a major shock if any of the top 10 didn’t make it

Ben, London

Wallabies captain Harry Wilson on the draw: “It’s really exciting. As an Australian, you always love the game against New Zealand. In the opening match of the World Cup, it doesn’t get much better than that. It’s a really exciting Pool A.”

Ireland Scotland again and lovely draw for England as per every world cup.

Stephen, Ireland

England on the easier side of the draw again.

Gordo, Horsell

Mike Henson
BBC Sport

A tough draw for the United States, who are paired with the highest-ranked Band 4 opposition Samoa in Pool E.

The USA could do with a good run to ignite interest ahead of hosting the tournament in 2031.

So New Zealand draw Australia…it had to be, didn’t it?

• Pool A: Australia (hosts), Hong Kong China, Chile, New Zealand
• Pool B: Romania, Georgia, Italy, South Africa
• Pool C: Canada, Spain, Fiji, Argentina
• Pool D: Portugal, Uruguay, Scotland, Ireland
• Pool E: Samoa, USA, Japan, France
• Pool F: Zimbabwe, Tonga, Wales, England

That leaves New Zealand to complete the draw in Pool A.

Argentina go into Pool C, and reigning world champions South Africa in Pool B.

France are in Pool E, Ireland in Pool D…

On to Band 1 – England are in Pool F, along with Wales, Tonga and Zimbabawe.

Italy are in Pool B.

Scotland maintain their appearance in every World Cup in Pool D, with Fiji in Pool C.

Wales in Pool F and Japan in Pool E.

Canada are in Pool C, Georgia are in Pool B, while Chile are in Pool A.

Uruguay are in Pool E, with Spain taking part in their second World Cup going into Pool D.

On to the Band 3 teams, Tonga are in Pool F, USA in Pool E…

Romania make their 10th appearance – they go in Pool B, while Hong Kong are in Pool A, with hosts Australia.

Portugal go into Pool D, and Canada in Pool C.

And Samoa – the last team to qualify are in Pool E.

Here we go!

Zimbabwe are first out in Pool F…