Five Predictions for 2023

Results in test matches in 2022 are an indication that predictability has deceased. In comparison to the closing of a year before prior Rugby World Cups, there is relative freshness in the air. This makes projections for the World Cup less certain.

With the World Cup returning to France in 2023 comparisons to RWC 2007 are natural. Argentina’s run to finishing third is certain to be talked about a lot throughout 2023 as is Fiji’s campaign in 2007. Similarly, the nature of New Zealand’s performances in 2022 and the 2023 draw may call for pundits to argue for a repeat Quarter Final exit for the All Blacks in 2007.

The above are a handful of possibilities for Rugby World Cup 2023. No shortage of additional examples can be identified. This article looks at five predictions for 2023.

 

Chile to Win Over Neutral Supporters
Los Cóndores remarkable pathway to the World Cup undeniably won over neutral die-hard rugby supporters. Something on a bigger scale may well happen at the World Cup itself. Chile has a difficult pool and not the easiest of schedules. Neutrals at Toulouse, Bordeaux, Lille and Nantes will be wearing red and flying Chilean flags. It looms as more than cheering-on David vs Goliath, it is a rarity in a Rugby World Cup of a newcomer team having done the hard-work to qualify and to then continue to fight hard in every tackle and individual battle in search of putting points on the board. The prediction is that Chile will be a fan-favorite in France.

 

A New Quarter Finalist
Based on form, quality and the pool, if anybody, Georgia will be a new Quarter Finalist in 2023. Georgia’s 2022 wins over Italy and Wales ought to have made the world stand-up and take notice. Their opponents at the World Cup are similar to 2019 – Australia, Fiji and Wales are identical. The change is Portugal instead of Uruguay.  The Lelos are stronger now than in 2019 unlike the three repeated opponents. Much friendlier match dates will help Georgia too. Finally, neutral supporters will back Georgia; indeed, the strong connection of Georgian players to France will be underlined by support in Paris, Toulouse, Bordeaux and Nantes. The prediction is that Georgia will defeat Fiji, Portugal and Wales.

 

Argentina to Go Beyond the Final Eight
Argentina underperformed at Japan 2019. France 2023 looms as redemption and comparisons to Australia 2003 and France 2007 will come with good reason. While it is debatable as to which team had more firepower, the roster is clearly deeper now than in 2007. The will help in rotating through the pool stage; a notable policy given Los Pumas will face Samoa and Chile second and third. Argentina will reach the Quarter Finals and face one of Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal or Wales from Pool C. It is a favorable draw compared to facing a team from Pool A or B. The prediction is that Montoya’s team will go beyond the final eight.

 

Uruguay to claim African Scalp
RWC 2023 will be the fifth for Uruguay. The South Americans defeated Spain in their debut RWC match in 1999 and defeated Georgia at RWC 2023. In one of the most determined performances in rugby history, Uruguay upset Fiji in their four RWC in 2019. A scalp from Africa will be added to the list at RWC 2023. Uruguay are in Pool A and will face France, Italy, Namibia and New Zealand. Coach Esteban Meneses is on record in saying that Italy and Namibia are Uruguay’s target. They are the second and third respective matches for Los Teros. The prediction is that Uruguay will win the match against the Welwitschias in Lyon

 

A New Champion to be Crowned
As a multi-time prior finalist and as the host country there is great expectation for France to be strong at RWC 2023. There is a lot in France’s favor as the World Cup year gets underway. France is ranked second in the world and was the only undefeated RWC team in 2022. France has New Zealand first followed by Uruguay, Namibia and Italy. France will be favorite for their Quarter Final which will be one of Ireland, Romania, Scotland South Africa or Tonga. France’s depth will see them though to the final four and they will not stop there. The prediction is that France will win the World Cup.