PREVIEW-Rugby-Heavyweights begin 2027 World Cup squad build in Rugby Championship

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v New Zealand - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 31, 2024 South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus before the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -With two years to go until the Rugby World Cup in Australia, this year’s Rugby Championship offers an early glimpse into the plans of the southern hemisphere heavyweights as they start shaping their squads for the 2027 tournament.

South Africa and Australia open this year’s championship at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, while Argentina and New Zealand clash in their round one opener in Cordoba later in the day.