Once Portugal secured their place in France, making them the 20th and final team to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023, we have identified seven pool matches that are likely to have a significant impact on the tournament.
In less than 10 months, Rugby World Cup 2023 will commence with an opening match between France and New Zealand, which has the potential to be a classic encounter.
While the clash between Les Bleus and the three-time champions promises an exciting start, there are other matches on the schedule that have caught our attention.
Recently, Portugal secured their spot in France 2023, marking their return to the Rugby World Cup after 16 years. Their first match will be against Wales in Nice on September 16, 2023. It will only be the second time these two European nations have faced each other, with their first meeting resulting in a 102-11 win for Wales in Lisbon back in 1994.
Here are the seven pool stage fixtures that we believe will play a crucial role in shaping the tournament:
France vs. New Zealand, Pool A, September 8, Stade de France
1. The tournament will kick off with the hosts, France, taking on the All Blacks in a match filled with history and shared tournament experience. They have faced each other seven times in previous Rugby World Cups, including memorable encounters in 1987, 2011, and 1999. This match will have a significant impact on determining the winner of Pool A.
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England vs. Japan, Pool D, September 17, Stade de Nice
2. England’s second Pool D match against Japan is one that coach Eddie Jones will have circled on their schedule. Jones, who previously coached Japan, helped transform them into a competitive international team. With victories over South Africa in RWC 2015, Japan will be aiming to progress beyond the pool stage once again. This match will be crucial for both teams’ prospects.
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South Africa vs. Ireland, Pool B, September 23, Stade de France
3. As defending champions, South Africa’s opening match against Scotland will set the tone for their campaign. However, their clash with Ireland, scheduled 13 days later, will carry immense significance. All three teams in the pool have ambitions beyond the group stage, making this match a pivotal encounter.
Wales vs. Australia, Pool C, September 24, Parc OL
4. Wales and Australia have faced each other in four of the last five Rugby World Cups, including the bronze final in 2011. This rivalry continues in Pool C, and their meeting in Lyon will have a major impact on determining the pool’s leader. Fiji, Georgia, and Portugal should not be underestimated, as they could also influence the outcome.
Argentina vs. Chile, Pool D, September 30, Stade de la Beaujoire
5. Chile’s qualification for Rugby World Cup 2023 will make their match against Argentina an exciting one. Los Cóndores have never defeated Los Pumas in their 39 encounters, but their historic qualification provides motivation for an upset. Argentina, aware of the importance of this match, will seek victory to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Wales vs. Georgia, Pool C, October 7, Stade de la Beaujoire
6. Georgia has yet to progress beyond the pool stage in their five previous Rugby World Cup appearances. However, their recent victory against Wales in Cardiff has given them hope. When the teams meet again in Nantes, both will be eager to contend for a spot in the quarter-finals. Wales remains the favorite, but Georgia will be buoyed by their previous success.
Japan vs. Argentina, Pool D, October 8, Stade de la Beaujoire
7. After Japan’s historic quarter-final appearance in RWC 2019, both Japan and Argentina will aim to secure qualification for the knockout stages in France. With England, Samoa, and Chile also in Pool D, this match in Nantes is likely to have significant implications for at least one of the teams.
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These pool matches will shape the direction of the tournament and provide thrilling moments as teams compete for a spot in the knockout stages.
