Most Impressive Rugby Teams 2023

The second week of September 2023 welcomes the Rugby World Cup tournament, which will be held in France from 8th September until the 28th October. Different national men’s XV teams will look to impress in the tournament and aim to be crowned world champions for the next four years.

So, which are the most impressive men’s rugby teams as the Rugby World Cup event approaches? 

South Africa and New Zealand: The Best Squads

The Springboks of South Africa and New Zealand’s All Blacks are undoubtedly among the most impressive teams and ones to watch out for in the RWC 2023 tournament. They have recorded some good wins over other notable sides like Argentina and Australia in the Rugby Championship and have beaten each other in 2023.

They both credit their impressive performances to their squad depth, with defending champs, South Africa, among their heavyweight and lightfooted personnel including:

• Eben Etsebeth
• Faf de Klerk
• Cheslin Kolbe
• Mazola Mapimpi 
• Duane Vermeulen
• Pieter Steph Du Toit
• Malcolm Marx

The All Blacks, on the other hand, arguably hold the most skilful team heading into the French tournament and among their squad members include the following: 

• Aaron Smith
• Richie Mouang’a
• Will Jordan
• Codie Taylor
• Damian McKenzie
• The Barrett brothers (Jordie, Beauden & Scott)

These two teams have recently faced each other, those utilising the bet365 bonus code Zambia benefitting from South Africa’s 35-7 win over the All Blacks on 25th August 2023, which considering New Zealand’s 35-23 win in their previous test match, it was sweet revenge for the Webb Ellis defending champions

Argentina, Ireland and France: Title Contenders

Argentina and France have come a long way since the last tournament, their recent performances proving their growth and development as well as title credentials. The French team is coming off an impressive win against Australia (41-17) in their most recent pre-RWC preparation match, but they have been among the best sides in the world over recent years and they boast a great squad captained by experienced and magician scrum-half Antoine Dupont.  

Additionally, the French will host – they’ll look to take advantage of the home crowd but they will, however, be tested in the World Cup’s first match, facing off the ever-threatening New Zealand team. 

Meanwhile, Argentina has always been a tough opponent for the more established teams. The Pumas has undergone a significant growth phase, and now pose a real threat with their squad consisting of a balance of young professional stars and veteran players like Augustin Creevy and Nicolas Sanchez – wins over NZ and Australia as well as England at Twickenham over recent years can not be ignored.

Ironically, one of the team’s outstanding performances was the one-point loss (22-21) to South Africa on 29th July 2023 in the Rugby Championship. 

Ireland is coming into the RWC 2023 as the world’s top-ranked men’s team, the Six Nations champions and off a first series win in New Zealand but they have history counting against them at the World Cup stage. They have yet to make it past the quarter-final stage and are in an incredibly tough Pool B with the Springboks, Scotland and Tonga – but some feel this will be their year.

Fiji and Tonga: The Underdogs

Fiji and Tonga are Pacific powerhouse teams looking to make a statement in this World Cup. The former has an explosive lineup, with players like Semi Radradra and Joshua Tuosova and their unbeaten run in the 2023 Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2023 Pacific Nations Series and the shock win over England in August 2023 means they are now in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Tonga has a number of players who have switched to play for them after representing other nations at the international level, even if former Wallaby star Isreal Folau didn’t make the final squad due to injury.

These two teams have proven their credibility with Rugby World Cup-calibre squads and provide a significant threat to respective group opponents and both might aim for the playoffs. 

South Africa and New Zealand are undoubtedly among the tournament’s favourites, however, the likes of Argentina and France can spoil the party, while Ireland will be aiming for a best-ever tournament and a chance to lift the Webb Ellis Cup in Paris. Fiji and Tonga, pose a threat to other notable teams, especially in their group stages and fate will tell if they can upset sides along the way to an unlikely semi-final.

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