With the 2023 Rugby World Cup just around the corner, both fans and experts are eagerly analyzing the tough road that awaits the tournament's top contenders in the knockout phase.
The competition guarantees thrilling moments as the world's best four teams find themselves in pools with potential risks of early eliminations.
These teams include the reigning champions, South Africa (ranked No. 2), the powerhouse of Ireland (ranked No. 1), the ever-formidable France (ranked No. 3), and the iconic New Zealand (ranked No. 4). With their consistent display of skill and talent, these teams have proven themselves on the field time and time again. However, their journey to victory will not come without its challenges this year.
The tournament's format presents a notable challenge for the top-ranked teams. As per the rankings and group pairings, an interesting scenario emerges. If the group stage unfolds as expected, New Zealand would compete against Ireland, and France would go up against South Africa in the initial knockout matches.
This highly anticipated matchup is a direct outcome of the December 2020 draw and takes into account the teams' performance in the previous World Cup. The outcome? An electrifying clash between two powerhouses in the early knockout stage that will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the rugby community.
Rugby World Cup Odds and Predictions
As the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup 2023 draws near, fans and experts alike are buzzing with excitement and speculation about which team will triumph and claim the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup. Among the frontrunners in contention for victory, host nation France is a favored choice as they aspire to utilize the advantage of playing on their home turf.
After securing the Six Nations championship, Ireland is a team that fans are closely watching. Although they have never advanced beyond the quarter-finals, their current performance indicates a potential for a significant progression. The defending champions, South Africa, and the esteemed New Zealand team, with three-time victories under their belt, also attract attention as possible titleholders.
Current odds on the top-rated teams with many bookmakers listed at a guide on SBS are:
l New Zealand: 5/2
l France: 10/3
l Ireland: 5/1
l South Africa: 5/1
One of the most anticipated matches of the tournament is the opening clash between France and New Zealand. Despite experiencing defeat twice in World Cup finals against the All Blacks, this battle on French soil promises an electrifying rivalry. Bookmakers are adding to the excitement with close odds on both sides: France have odds of 6/5, New Zealand are at 5/6, and a draw is around 22/1.
Despite the unpredictable nature of the match, French head coach Fabien Galthie radiates confidence in his team's chances. Galthie boldly stated, "I want opposing teams to fear us. We are without a doubt the team that everyone wants to defeat."
New Zealand's head coach, Steve Hansen, openly voiced his concerns regarding the World Cup draw. With the top five countries all grouped together in one bracket, Hansen emphasized the possibility of a major upset in the quarter-finals. He stated, "It's inevitable that one of the world's top three countries will be eliminated in the quarter-finals." The high level of competition and unpredictable outcomes only serve to heighten the anticipation for what is expected to be a truly unforgettable Rugby World Cup.
However, beyond the spotlight on these four teams, there are other strong contenders waiting for a chance to disrupt the established order. Let's examine each pool of teams more closely:
Pool A: France, New Zealand, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia
The opening match of the World Cup promises an epic showdown between two powerhouse teams: France and New Zealand. This monumental clash could be a preview of the final itself. While both France and New Zealand possess incredible talent, Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia will have a challenging journey to compete against these top-seeded teams. Players such as Antoine Dupont and Beauden Barrett will captivate fans with their exceptional skills on the field.
Pool B: Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, Tonga, Romania
This pool, often referred to as the "Group of Death," is expected to showcase intense competition. The frontrunners in this group are Ireland and South Africa, but Scotland, with its unpredictable playmaker Finn Russell, cannot be underestimated. The dynamics of this group have the potential for heated battles and surprising outcomes. Ireland is determined to overcome their quarter-final curse while South Africa faces the challenge of adjusting without Handré Pollard due to injury.
Pool C: Fiji, Australia, Wales, Georgia, Portugal
While Pool C may not have the top contenders, it is full of exciting possibilities for upsets. Fiji, who recently defeated Japan and England, boasts a powerful forward pack and dynamic backs. Australia and Wales, despite facing some difficulties lately, possess the determination to leave their mark on the tournament. Meanwhile, Georgia and Portugal are eager to achieve breakthrough victories and demonstrate their value on the international stage.
Pool D: Argentina, England, Samoa, Japan, Chile
The focus of attention in this particular pool is on England and Argentina, as they are both anticipated to advance. Samoa's recent triumph over Japan indicates their potential threat, especially with the inclusion of experienced international players who strengthen their lineup. However, England may encounter challenges due to suspensions and positional concerns, while Japan seeks to rediscover their form from the previous year. Additionally, Chile completes the pool and is prepared to defy expectations.