RWC 2023: The Headlines
The long-awaited Rugby World Cup Draw took place in France this week, churning out some interesting match ups. We dissect the main talking points that followed the draw itself and get some of your reactions.
Wales, Australia, Fiji Groundhog Day
Three things in life are certain; death, taxes and Wales drawn in the same group as Australia and Fiji. For the third World Cup in a row in fact. Warren Gatland’s Wales beat both opponents in last year’s RWC, which meant topping the group and securing a quarter-final against France. Although Wales were strong last time out, his successor Wayne Pivac has a lot of work to do, and three years will pass by in a flash.
Early Bath for Scotland or Ireland?
Six Nations rivals Ireland and Scotland will meet again in the pool stage, with the added difficulty of throwing World Cup Winners South Africa into the mix. Ireland won comfortably in Japan last year against Scotland, but they had to settle for runners-up spot after losing to Japan, while Scotland crashed out in the group stages.
England’s ‘Easy Ride’?
Some say, England have landed the most straightforward of groups, with Japan, Argentina and qualifiers from Oceania and the Americas on their 2023 agenda. However, Japan stepped up when they hosted the World Cup last year and may threaten an England side coached by their former boss Eddie Jones. They also did the same in the previous World Cup against South Africa too. Let’s also not forget that Argentina famously beat the All Blacks in this year’s condensed Tri-Nations. Whatever the outcome of the group, the road to the Final could also throw up a few stumbling blocks, should they get there again.
France-New Zealand: A Tasty Starter
The 2023 World Cup fixture schedule is not expected to be announced until late February, but one decision that tournament organisers should not spend long contemplating is which two countries kick things off. Hosts France, resurgent under head coach Fabien Galthie, have been drawn in the same group as three-time world champions New Zealand. That would provide a glittering spectacle, especially if France continue on their awesome trajectory.
Rugby World Cup Pool Groups
The full draw for the Rugby World Cup 2023:
