Western Force star and Wallabies flanker Carlo Tizzano has voiced his disappointment over the decision not to schedule Australia against New Zealand for the opening match of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Perth. In an exclusive interview on The West Sport Show podcast, the Perth-born forward questioned why organisers missed the chance to create a blockbuster tournament opener at Optus Stadium.
A Missed Opportunity for a Trans-Tasman Showdown
Tizzano revealed he had been dreaming of playing a World Cup opening game in his hometown since the Webb Ellis Cup visited Perth in October 2025. "Since the day I did that press conference with Roger Cook at King's Park, with the World Cup trophy right there in front of me, I was looking at it and going, first game at Optus Stadium — it would have been cool if it was the All Blacks," Tizzano said.
The Wallabies will instead face Hong Kong in their opening match, with New Zealand playing Chile in Perth a day later. This decision has frustrated local fans who anticipated a historic trans-Tasman clash to kick off the tournament. "I don't think I can say too much so I don't get in trouble. But I do question, why would you not make one of the biggest rivalries in international rugby the World Cup opener?" Tizzano added.
Personal Heartache and Professional Motivation
Tizzano also opened up about the pain of missing last October's Bledisloe Cup clash against the All Blacks in Perth, where he was dropped from the Wallabies' bench despite strong performances. "That hurt, really hurt, especially considering I played really well coming off the bench against the All Blacks at Eden Park," he admitted.
However, the forward found perspective in personal joy from that same period. "But the same time, I look on the flip side and perspective: that night, I found out I was having a baby. In the whole scheme of things, I'm just grateful for the position I'm in," Tizzano shared.
Looking Ahead to World Cup Opportunities
Despite his disagreement with the opening match scheduling, Tizzano expressed determination to earn his place in the Wallabies squad for the 2027 tournament. "I'm looking to play every game. Any opportunity to put that gold jersey on is a massive honour, to be able to sing the anthem no matter what team it is," he stated emphatically.
The flanker specifically mentioned targeting the All Blacks match scheduled for Sydney's Accor Stadium during the tournament. "I feel like that's writing me off in terms of, oh, I might only play against Hong Kong, who are a tier two team — I'm looking for that All Blacks game in Sydney," Tizzano declared.
Embracing Personal Challenges and Preparation Techniques
In the wide-ranging interview, Tizzano also discussed how he has embraced his ADHD diagnosis and incorporated visualization techniques into his match preparation. He described these approaches as key pillars of his professional development and mental preparation for high-pressure games.
The Western Force star acknowledged the competitive depth in the Wallabies' back row, where players like captain Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Tom Hooper, and Rob Valetini have been preferred at times. "It's cruel. It is what it is. It brings me a bit of emotion now," Tizzano reflected on selection decisions, while maintaining respect for coach Joe Schmidt's choices.
As Perth prepares to host World Cup matches, Tizzano's comments highlight both the excitement and controversy surrounding the tournament's scheduling decisions, with local fans and players alike expressing strong opinions about what could have been a historic opening spectacle.
