As the Rugby World Cup approaches, discussions about potential favorites have heated up. Following their recent defeat to the Springboks, the All Bla
As the Rugby World Cup approaches, discussions about potential favorites have heated up. Following their recent defeat to the Springboks, the All Blacks’ dominance is being questioned, while South Africa’s historic victory has propelled them into contention. The defending champions are seen by many as frontrunners, with home advantage and recent wins boosting their confidence. However, opinions vary among experts.
PlanetRugby journalist Jared Wright considers the Springboks as favorites due to their recent successes against formidable opponents. Despite their record loss, New Zealand remains a strong contender in his view, with improvements expected after addressing certain game issues. Meanwhile, RugbyPass analyst Ben Smith dismisses South Africa’s chances, emphasizing their tough pool and the number of challenging matches they need to win.
France, on the other hand, has caught the attention of many pundits due to its impressive home record and home field advantage. However, French rugby writer Karim Ben Ismail raises concerns about handling the pressure of delivering in front of a home crowd. The absence of star player Romain Ntamack and the reliance on Antoine Dupont are additional factors to consider.
Other potential contenders include Argentina and Samoa. Argentina is considered strong, with a track record of performing well in previous tournaments. Samoa is seen as a dark horse, with Jared Wright suggesting they could make a surprising impact. Australian rugby editor Christy Doran adds Australia to the mix, noting their young and fearless players who might bring a unique game plan to the tournament.
As the Rugby World Cup draws near, the field remains open, and the outcome is eagerly anticipated by fans and experts alike.
The Rugby World Cup is scheduled to take place in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023 in nine venues across the country and is the first to take place entirely in France. The opening game and final will take place at the Stade de France, north of Paris.
