The 2023 Rugby World Cup is set to be held in France between September 8, 2023, and October 28, 2023. This edition will witness the participation of 20 national rugby teams competing for the prestigious Webb-Ellis Cup.
Out of these, 12 teams secured their qualification by finishing in the top three of their pools during the Japan RWC 2019 tournament, while the remaining eight teams earned their spots through regional qualification.
The odds to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup for thebettingsites.com present a highly competitive field, with both France and New Zealand leading the pack as joint-favourites. Ireland and South Africa follow closely behind, while Australia and England trail a bit further, respectively.
The odds then drift significantly, with Argentina, Wales, Scotland, and Fiji following in that order. The tournament is set to be intense and exciting, with several strong contenders vying for the ultimate rugby glory.
The 2023 tournament’s opening match between France and New Zealand is anticipated to be one of the most exciting pool encounters. Although France has suffered two World Cup final defeats against the All Blacks in the past, this time, the rivalry will be reignited on French soil, adding to the anticipation and excitement.
Rugby World Cup 2023 France – Team Pools
The RWC 2o23 teams will be divided into four pools each with 5ive teams, with the draw taking some time ago – leading to some controversy as some pools are loaded with currently top-ranked teams.
Pool A – RWC 2023
Pool A, comprising New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia, promises to be a fiercely competitive group. New Zealand, who secured third place in the 2019 World Cup, will undoubtedly face a challenging battle against hosts France, currently ranked second in the world, right after Ireland. The two heavyweights will also get the RWC 2023 underway following the opening ceremony in Paris on September 8th.
The other three contenders in this pool will also have their work cut out for them as they strive to compete against these two formidable giants of the sport.
Pool B – RWC 2023
One of the most fiercely competitive groups, Pool B, comprises the current title holders, South Africa, as well as the world’s top-ranked side Ireland, and Scotland, all of whom are ranked within the world’s top five teams.
Given Scotland’s recent impressive form, they could pose a serious challenge and emerge as strong contenders to advance to the knockout rounds if they can topple one of the two group favourites- the Boks and Ireland. The latter has never advanced to the quarterfinals but 2023 could be their year.
Tonga (re-enforced with a number of internationals who have earned caps elsewhere but now qualify to play for the Pacific nation), and Romania are completing the lineup, both will aim to make their mark in this highly contested pool B at RWC 2023.
Pool C – RWC 2023
In Pool C, Wales may have faced several challenges recently, but they should never be underestimated in a major international event. The favourites to win the group will likely be Australia, but Fiji is expected to present formidable opposition and could create difficulties for other teams along the way.
Completing the lineup are Georgia and Portugal, who will also be eager to make their presence felt in this exciting pool.
Pool D – RWC 2023
In Pool D, England (the losers of the final in 2019) will face Japan, who were previous tournament hosts and went as far as the quarterfinals at RWC 2019. Currently ranked 10th internationally, Japan will be eager to showcase its abilities and aim to make a greater impact on England’s chances of advancing out of the pool.
Completing the lineup are Argentina, Samoa, and Chile, adding to the diverse mix of teams in this group. Los Pumas will be the other main contender in this pool and could easily top the pool based on some recent performances.
The competition promises to be intense as each team strives to secure their spot in the knockout stages.
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