Every four years, the best rugby teams in the world come together and fight it out for two months to see who will be crowned the Rugby World Cup winner. This year, all eyes will turn to France where the Rugby World Cup 2023 is being hosted, and the hosts are favourites to win. With competition between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres fiercer and more even than ever before, we look at three of the best matches coming up at the Rugby World Cup 2023 this year.
France vs New Zealand, 8th September 2023
The Rugby World Cup 2023 will begin on the 8th of September in the best fashion possible: With the home side and tournament favourites playing against the rugby team of all time in the All Blacks.
There will be plenty on the line here, with the hosts wanting to prove that they are worthy of their No.2 spot in the world rankings. The All Blacks, on the other hand, will be desperate to make up for their patchy 2022 season which ranked as one of their worst of all time. Not only will both teams be eager to start the tournament on a winning note, they’ll know that if they perform, this may not be the last time they face each other in the tournament.
With only Italy, Nambia and Uruguay in Pool A, this will also likely be the match that determines who wins the pool, and gets to play the second ranked side from Pool B in a quarterfinal.
South Africa vs Ireland, 23rd September 2023
Speaking of the second ranked side in Pool B, this is the match that will likely determine it. Unless Scotland, Romania or Tonga manage to pull off an upset of astronomical proportions, the loser of this match will have to play the winner of France vs New Zealand.
South Africa and Ireland are ranked No.3 and No.1 in the world right now, making this an outrageous game to occur during the group stage of the Rugby World Cup. However, given the way the tournament is structured, fans will be treated to this spectacle early on, and it should not disappoint. Ireland won this fixture in 2022, and South Africa will be looking for revenge.
Wales vs Australia, 24th September 2023
Less than two months ago, Wales and Australia played out a fantastic match in front of a packed house in Cardiff. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Australia executed an incredible late surge to win the match 39-34.
The loss catalysed significant changes for Wales, including the recall of Kiwi Warren Gatland as head coach. Wales were at their strongest under Gatland, putting together several impressive Six Nations and World Cup campaigns. Can they turn around in time to defeat Australia in this match? The loser would be at risk of not making the quarterfinals, with tricky opponents Fiji and Georgia also lurking in Pool C.To bet on any of these matches, head to CasinoHawks where you’ll see reviews of the best sportsbooks such as a full review of BoyleSports. With betting already open on the Rugby World Cup 2023, get your wagers in while the odds are good.