Rugby World Cup Predictions – Group Stage
Group A is expected to see France and New Zealand comfortably qualify for the quarter-finals. It’s likely that the top spot will be determined in the tournament’s opening match on September 8.
Italy has shown improvements under the guidance of their new coach, Kieran Crowley, but securing a spot in the quarter-finals while competing with France and the All Blacks will be a significant challenge.
Group B will showcase South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland, with the Scots being the least favoured to make it among the top two.
Ireland has been in great form for the past few months, but doubts persist about their ability to maintain that level between World Cups.
South Africa has faced some setbacks in 2023, with five losses in thirteen matches, but they are preparing vigorously for this tournament, aiming to become the first country to win four Rugby World Cups.
Wales and Australia are expected to occupy the top two spots in Group C and advance to the next stage. However, don’t underestimate Fiji. Warren Gatland is back at the helm of Wales, and he knows how to turn his team into a formidable opponent. Likewise, Eddie Jones is once again leading the Wallabies. Both teams are expected to reach the quarter-finals, but the question remains whether the coaches have had enough time to build a team capable of going even further.
England is well-positioned to win Group D, while Japan and Argentina will compete for the second spot. After Eddie Jones’s departure, Steve Borthwick is the man England hopes will lead the team to another Rugby World Cup victory. However, the team is in transition, and many are watching their Six Nations campaign with interest.
Rugby World Cup Predictions – Quarter-finals
If the top two teams from each group qualify, it’s likely that a quarter-final will pit France or New Zealand against South Africa. This indicates that the bottom half of the bracket potentially offers a more accessible path to the final four spots.
Rugby World Cup Predictions – Semi-finals
Our predictions for the two semi-finals are as follows: South Africa vs. Australia and France vs. England. We anticipate that South Africa and France will qualify for the final.
Rugby World Cup Predictions – Final
A final between France and South Africa would be a captivating clash, pitting the host country against the defending champions of the Cup. It’s certainly the final that organizers hope for, and 2023 could be the year when France, which has suffered three final defeats over the years, finally triumphs.
The French have an exceptional team, and with the support of their fans, they have a great chance of winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup and lifting the coveted William Webb Ellis Trophy.
The participating countries in this edition of the Rugby World Cup are:
- South Africa
- England
- New Zealand
- Wales
- Australia
- Ireland
- France
- Japan
- Scotland
- Argentina
- Fiji
- Italy
- Samoa
- Georgia
- Uruguay
- Tonga
- Namibia
- Romania
- Chile
- Portugal
In total, there are 20 teams competing, divided into 5 groups. The top two teams from each group qualify for the next round.
France (Stade de France) has been selected to host the 10th edition of the Cup, which will take place from September 8 to October 28, 2023. Twenty teams from five continents will compete for the prestigious title.
These twenty nations have been divided into four groups of five teams, covering the entire French territory. Nine French cities (Paris, Lille, Nantes, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Marseille, Lyon, Saint-Étienne, and Nice) will host the 48 matches of the competition during the months of September and October. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, followed by the semi-finals and the grand final scheduled for Saturday, October 28, at the Stade de France.
This year, four teams seem to stand out: New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and the French national team, XV de France. We hope that this will end favourably for our Bleus!
Only four nations have managed to win the prestigious Rugby World Cup: New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa. The All Blacks stand out as the only team to successfully defend their title, winning it in both 2011 and 2015.
The All Blacks have won the trophy three times, Australia twice, and England once. These three nations are therefore likely candidates attracting the attention of pundits for the upcoming Cup.
South Africa, on the other hand, currently holds the title of reigning champion, having triumphed in the 2019 edition. This marks the third time that South Africa has won this competition, following their victories in 1995 and 2007.
Key Dates for the 2023 Rugby World Cup 2023
Rugby World Cup, held in France (Stade de France), will begin on Friday, September 8, 2023, with a highly anticipated opening match between France and New Zealand. It will conclude on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. In addition to the opening match France vs. New Zealand, the group stage promises exciting matchups. Among the must-watch games are England vs. Argentina on September 9, South Africa vs. Scotland on September 10, South Africa vs. Ireland on September 23, and Ireland vs. Scotland on October 7.
2023 Rugby World Cup: Group-by-Group Predictions
Group A – France; New Zealand; Italy; Namibia; Uruguay
The two top favourites for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, France and New Zealand, find themselves in the same group during the group stage. Their opening clash will take place on September 8 at the Stade de France and is highly likely to determine the group leader.
In a high-pressure context, our rugby prediction leans toward an All Blacks victory over the French, who may feel the pressure and stress associated with this event. The expectations surrounding the French team could add an extra burden, and this could make a difference when facing the team considered the most impressive in the world. Even in case of defeat and a second-place finish in the group, the repercussions would be limited because, in the quarter-finals, they would face either South Africa or Ireland, other tournament favourites. Thus, the advantage seems to favour New Zealand in this Rugby World Cup Group A.
Group B – South Africa; Ireland; Scotland; Tonga; Romania
Group B is unquestionably the “group of death” in this tournament, featuring the Springboks, the Irish, and the Scots, with only two spots available for the quarter-finals. One team will inevitably be eliminated after the four matches, where each victory will be of immeasurable value.
While the competition looks fierce, especially between the Springboks and the Irish, our rugby prediction favours a victory for the Irish team, the XV of the Shamrock, in Group B. The players, led by Jonathan Sexton, have impressed over the past three seasons, including winning the Grand Slam last spring, confirming their victorious tour against the All Blacks the previous year. Although the clash against the reigning world champions promises rare intensity, playing in Europe with the support of a crowd donning green will give a considerable advantage in topping Group B.
Group C – Australia; Wales; Fiji; Georgia; Portugal
Group C appears to be the least competitive in this tournament, where the Australians and the Welsh are expected to battle for the top spot unless the Fijians manage to spring a surprise.
The Wallabies are coming off a series of disappointing performances in the Rugby Championship, with three losses in as many matches, despite the appointment of Eddie Jones as coach, who came to the rescue after a similarly disastrous autumn tour. On the other hand, the Welsh are going through a tough period, having also struggled in the last two Six Nations tournaments. However, due to their deeper and more talented squad, it will be challenging for the Leek XV, going through a generational transition, to prevent the Australians from finishing atop Group C. The Wallabies seem to have the edge.
Group D – England; Argentina; Japan; Samoa; Chile
As it was four years ago, Argentina and England find themselves in the same group for the 2023 World Rugby Cup. While in 2019, the Argentines had difficulties and failed to advance past the first round in Japan, things are expected to improve in France (Stade de France) this year, with the main rival being the English team.
Despite a challenging Six Nations tournament, the experience of the team led by Steve Borthwick could make the difference against the Pumas. Owen Farrell and his teammates drew valuable lessons from their defeat against the Argentinians in a test match last autumn. This time, Michael Cheika’s team could face the power of the English pack.
Bettingexpert Tips for Your 2023 Rugby World Cup Predictions
To succeed in your predictions, here are some tips to consider before you dive in:
- Follow past editions’ results: Research the results of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, as well as performances in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship tournaments. This will give you an idea of which teams are in good form.
- Know rugby: Making rugby predictions requires a deep understanding of the sport, its rules, and current trends. The more you understand the game, the better you’ll be at making informed predictions.
- Start simple: If you’re new to sports betting, avoid taking excessive risks. Stick to simplicity by choosing straightforward bets, such as match outcomes or total points scored.
- Manage your budget: Always remember that you’re betting real money, so be disciplined in managing your betting budget. Set limits and only bet what you can afford to lose. If you encounter issues, don’t hesitate to contact specialized organizations that can help and support you (phone numbers are typically available on sports betting websites).
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FAQ
When will the next Rugby Union World Cup take place?
The next Rugby World Cup will be held in France (Stade de France), with the tournament running from Friday, September 8, until the final, which will take place on Saturday, October 28.
Who is the favourite to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
With the home advantage, France is currently the bookmakers’ favourite to win their first Rugby World Cup trophy, making it a popular choice among bettors already making their predictions for the Rugby World Cup.
Who are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup?
The current holders of the Rugby World Cup are South Africa, who won the 2019 final in Yokohama, Japan, by defeating England 32-12.
