The 2023 Rugby World Cup gets underway in France on Friday, with the biggest names in the sport doing battle to be crowned the best team on the planet.
It could hardly get off to a better start with hosts and favourites France taking on the fabled New Zealand in the curtain-raiser, before the tournament gets underway in earnest with four matches on the first Saturday.
The 2023 edition has been tipped to be the most competitive and unpredictable yet, and with many teams having suffered or enjoyed reversals of form since the draw was made almost three years ago, how the tournament could map out makes things even more difficult to call.
At least three of the world’s top-five ranked teams heading into the tournament are guaranteed to be eliminated before the semi-finals due to the way the groups have worked out, while those on the other side of the draw have a clearer path despite being in worse form.
Here, MS News Sports rounds up everything you need to know about this year’s tournament, and predicts how every team will get on during the 50-day rugby extravaganza in France.
POOL A
Rarely has there been a more mouth-watering opening game of a World Cup than that which Pool A will provide at the Stade de France on September 8, when hosts and pre-tournament favourites France will take on the joint-most successful World Cup nation of all in the All Blacks.
Those two are undoubtedly the major favourites to go through to the knockout stages, with Six Nations whipping boys Italy their closest competition, but they find themselves in the difficult side of the draw.
The fact that the draw was carried out more than two-and-a-half years before the tournament took place has led to a lopsided group stage which sees the top five teams in the world all on the same side of the draw.
In practice, what that is likely to mean is that no matter whether France or New Zealand win the group, barring any major shocks they will be on course for a heavyweight showdown in the quarter-finals which will result in only two of those top five teams in the world reaching the semi-finals.
FIXTURES
Sept 8: France vs. New Zealand
Sept 9: Italy vs. Namibia
Sept 14: France vs. Uruguay
Sept 15: New Zealand vs. Namibia
Sept 20: Italy vs. Uruguay
Sept 21: France vs. Namibia
Sept 27: Uruguay vs. Namibia
Sept 29: New Zealand vs. Italy
Oct 5: New Zealand vs. Uruguay
Oct 6: France vs. Italy
NEW ZEALAND
Head coach: Ian Foster
Squad: Forwards – Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Nepo Laulala, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa’I, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane (captain), Shannon Frizell, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea
Backs – Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea, Will Jordan
Best World Cup performance: Winners (1987, 2011 & 2015)
2019 RWC performance: Third place
World ranking: 4th
Sports Mole prediction: Quarter-finals
FRANCE
Head coach: Fabien Galthie
Squad: Forwards – Dorian Aldegheri, Gregory Alldritt, Uini Atonio, Cyril Baille, Paul Boudehent, Pierre Bourgarit, Francois Cros, Sipili Falatea, Thibaud Flament, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Anthony Jelonch, Sekou Macalou, Julien Marchand, Peato Mauvaka, Charles Ollivon, Romain Taofifenua, Reda Wardi, Paul Willemse, Cameron Woki
Backs – Louis Bielle-Biarrey, Baptiste Couilloud, Jonathan Danty, Antoine Dupont (captain), Gael Fickou, Antoine Hastoy, Matthieu Jalibert, Melvyn Jaminet, Maxime Lucu, Yoram Moefana, Damian Penaud, Thomas Ramos, Gabin Villiere, Arthur Vincent
Best World Cup performance: Runners-up (1987, 1999 & 2011)
2019 RWC performance: Quarter-finals
World ranking: 3rd
Sports Mole prediction: Runners-up
ITALY
Head coach: Kieran Crowley
Squad: Forwards – Danilo Fischetti, Marco Riccioni, Federico Zani, Simone Ferrari, Ivan Nemer, Pietro Ceccarelli; Giacomo Nicotera, Luca Bigi, Hame Faiva; Federico Ruzza, Niccolo Cannone, David Sisi, Dino Lamb; Michele Lamaro (captain), Sebastian Negri, Toa Halafihi, Lorenzo Cannone, Manuel Zuliani, Giovanni Pettinelli
Backs – Martin Page-Relo, Alessandro Garbisi, Stephen Varney, Alessandro Fusco; Paolo Garbisi, Tommaso Allan, Giacomo da Re; Luca Morisi, Juan Ignacio Brex; Paolo Odogwu, Monty Ioane, Ange Capuozzo, Pierre Bruno, Lorenzo Pani
Best World Cup performance: Pool Stage
2019 RWC performance: 3rd in Pool B
World ranking: 13th
MS News Sports prediction: 3rd in Pool A
URUGUAY
Head coach: Esteban Meneses
Squad: Forwards – Mateo Sanguinetti, Matías Benitez, Facundo Gattas, Germán Kessler, Guillermo Pujadas, Ignacio Peculo, Diego Arbelo, Reinaldo Piussi, Ignacio Dotti, Manuel Leindekar, Felipe Aliaga, Manuel Ardao, Santiago Civetta, Manuel Diana, Lucas Bianchi, Carlos Deus, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Eric Dos Santos
Backs – Santiago Arata, Santiago Alvarez, Agustín Ormaechea, Felipe Etcheverry, Felipe Berchesi, Andrés Vilaseca, Nicolás Freitas, Felipe Arcos Perez, Tomas Inciarte, Gaston Mieres, Baltazar Amaya, Juan Manuel Alonso, Rodrigo Silva, Bautista Basso, Ignacio Facciolo
Best World Cup performance: Pool Stage
2019 RWC performance: 5th in Pool D
World ranking: 17th
MS News Sports prediction: 4th in Pool A
NAMIBIA
Head coach: Allister Coetzee
Squad: Forwards – Jason Benade, Aranos Coetzee, Desiderius Sethie, Louis van der Westhuizen, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Casper Viviers, Tiaan de Klerk, Richard Hardwick, Adriaan Ludick, Johan Retief, Mahepisa Tjeriko, Tjiuee Uanivi, Max Katjijeko, Prince Gaoseb, PJ van Lill, Wian Conradie, Adriaan Booysen
Backs – Damian Stevens, Oela Blaauw, Jacques Theron; Cliven Loubser, Tiaan Swanepoel; Andre van der Berg, Johan Deysel (captain), JC Greyling, Danco Burger, Le Roux Malan, Alcino Isaacs, Gerswin Mouton, Chad Plato, Divan Rossouw
Best World Cup performance: Pool Stage
2019 RWC performance: 4th in Pool B
World ranking: 21st
MS News Sports prediction: 5th in Pool A
POOL B
While the early group draw has been kind to some (see Pools C and D), you have to feel for Scotland, who have arguably been most harshly done by the baffling nature of it.
Ranked in band three as the world’s ninth-best team when the pools were decided in December 2020, Scotland have since risen up to fifth in the world but still find themselves likely needing to beat at least one of Ireland or South Africa – the two highest-ranked teams in the tournament – to progress.
Had they been in the other side of the draw then Scotland would fancy their chances of going deep in the tournament, but Ireland and South Africa are among the favourites to go all the way and lift the trophy, making Pool B the group of death.
However, as with Pool A, making it out of the group is only the start, with a likely showdown against either France or New Zealand awaiting the top two from Pool B.
FIXTURES
Sept 9: Ireland vs. Romania
Sept 10: South Africa vs. Scotland
Sept 16: Ireland vs. Tonga
Sept 17: South Africa vs. Romania
Sept 23: South Africa vs. Ireland
Sept 24: Scotland vs. Tonga
Sept 30: Scotland vs. Romania
Oct 1: South Africa vs. Tonga
Oct 7: Ireland vs. Scotland
Oct 8: Tonga vs. Romania
SOUTH AFRICA
Head coach: Jacques Nienaber
Squad: Forwards – Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese; Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert
Backs – Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie
Best World Cup performance: Winners (1995, 2007 & 2019)
2019 RWC performance: Winners
World ranking: 2nd
MS News Sports prediction: Quarter-final
IRELAND
Head coach: Andy Farrell
Squad: Forwards – Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Iain Henderson, Rob Herring, Ronan Kelleher, Dave Kilcoyne, Jeremy Loughman, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony, Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Josh van der Flier
Backs – Bundee Aki, Ross Byrne, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Keith Earls, Jamison Gibson-Park, Mack Hansen, Robbie Henshaw, Hugo Keenan, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jimmy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Johnny Sexton (captain)
Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals (eight times)
2019 RWC performance: Quarter-finals
World ranking: 1st
MS News Sports prediction: Winners
SCOTLAND
Head coach: Gregor Townsend
Squad: Forwards – Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Dave Cherry, Luke Crosbie, Scott Cummings, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Grant Gilchrist, Richie Gray, WP Nel, Jamie Ritchie (captain), Pierre Schoeman, Javan Sebastian, Sam Skinner, Rory Sutherland, George Turner, Hamish Watson
Backs – Darcy Graham, Chris Harris, Ben Healy, George Horne, Huw Jones, Blair Kinghorn, Ali Price, Cameron Redpath, Finn Russell, Ollie Smith, Kyle Steyn, Sione Tuipulotu, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White
Best World Cup performance: Fourth place (1991)
2019 RWC performance: 3rd in Pool A
World ranking: 5th
MS News Sports prediction: 3rd in Pool B
TONGA
Head coach: Toutai Kefu
Squad: Forwards – Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Feao Fotuaika, Tau Koloamatangi, Ben Tameifuna, Paula Latu, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa; Paula Ngauamo, Siua Maile, Samiuela Moli; Adam Coleman, Sam Lousi, Sitiveni Mafi; Vaea Fifita Tanginoa Halaifonua, Semisi Paea, Solomone Funaki, Sione Vailanu, Sione Havili Talitui
Backs – Sonatane Takulua (captain), Augustine Pulu; Manu Paea, William Havili; Otumaka Mausia, Pita Ahki, Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala; Afusipa Taumoepeau, Fine Inisi, Solomone Kata, Charles Piutau, Kyren Taumoefolau, Anzelo Tuitavuki
Best World Cup performance: Pool stage
2019 RWC performance: 4th in Pool C
World ranking: 15th
MS News Sports prediction:4th in Pool C
ROMANIA
Head coach: Eugen Apjok
Squad: Forwards – Alexandru Savin, Gheorghe Gajion, Thomas Cretu, Alexandru Gordas, Costel Burtila, Iulian Hartig, Ovidiu Cojocaru, Robert Irimescu, Florin Bardasu, Adrian Motoc, Marius Iftimiciuc, Stefan Iancu, Cristi Chirica, Mihai Macovei, Vlad Neculau, Dragoș Ser, Cristi Boboc, Florian Roșu, Damian Stratila
Backs – Gabriel Rupanu, Florin Surugiu, Alin Conache; Gabriel Pop, Mihai Muresan, Tudor Boldor; Taylor Gontineac, Jason Tomane, Tevita Manumua; Nicolas Onutu, Marius Simionescu, Tangimana Fonovai, Hinckley Vaovasa, Paul Popoaia
Best World Cup performance: Pool stage
2019 RWC performance: Did not participate
World ranking: 19th
MS News Sports prediction:5th in Pool B
POOL C
While the top-five ranked teams are in Pools A and B, incredibly it is Fiji who go into the World Cup as the highest-ranked team in Pool C – seventh in the world.
The recent historic victory over England helped to boost that rank, although it would still be regarded as a surprise by many if they pipped the more traditional powerhouses Wales and Australia to the top two spots.
Nonetheless, this looks like the group most likely to throw up such a surprise, and with Wales still struggling to adapt to life back under Warren Gatland and Australia in dire form under Eddie Jones, the door is very much open for Fiji.
Even Georgia, who have been on the periphery of Europe’s elite for some time now, may fancy their chances, although their current squad is perhaps not quite as strong as it has been in recent World Cups.
FIXTURES
Sept 9: Australia vs. Georgia
Sept 10: Wales vs. Fiji
Sept 16: Wales vs. Portugal
Sept 17: Australia vs. Fiji
Sept 23: Georgia vs. Portugal
Sept 24: Wales vs. Australia
Sept 30: Fiji vs. Georgia
Oct 1: Australia vs. Portugal
Oct 7: Wales vs. Georgia
Oct 8: Fiji vs. Portugal
WALES
Head coach: Warren Gatland
Squad: Forwards – Nicky Smith, Tomas Francis, Gareth Thomas, Dillon Lewis, Corey Domachowki, Henry Thomas; Dewi Lake (co-captain), Ryan Elias, Elliot Dee; Will Rowlands, Adam Beard, Daffyd Jenkins; Jac Morgan (co-captain), Dan Lydiate, Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Wainwright,Tommy Reffell, Taine Basham, Christ Tshiunza
Backs – Tomos Williams, Gareth Davies; Dan Biggar, Sam Costelow, Gareth Anscombe; Nick Tompkins, George North, Johnny Williams, Mason Grady; Josh Adams, Louis Rees-Zammit, Liam Williams, Rio Dyer, Leigh Halfpenny
Best World Cup performance: Third place (1987)
2019 RWC performance: Fourth place
World ranking: 10th
MS News Sports prediction: Quarter-finals
AUSTRALIA
Head coach: Eddie Jones
Squad: Forwards – Angus Bell, Pone Fa’amausili, Zane Nonggorr, Blake Schoupp, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Matt Faessler, David Porecki, Jordan Uelese, Richie Arnold, Nick Frost, Matt Philip, Will Skelton (captain), Langi Gleeson, Tom Hooper, Rob Leota, Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini
Backs – Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Tate McDermott, Nic White, Carter Gordon, Lalakai Foketi, Samu Kerevi, Izaia Perese, Jordan Petaia, Max Jorgensen, Andrew Kellaway, Marika Koroibete, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Suliasi Vunivalu, Ben Donaldson, Josh Kemeny
Best World Cup performance: Winners (1991 & 1999)
2019 RWC performance: Quarter-finals
World ranking: 9th
MS News Sports prediction: Third in Pool C
FIJI
Head coach: Simon Raiwalui
Squad: Forwards – Eroni Mawi, Peni Ravai, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Doge, Luke Tagi, Samu Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Sam Matavesi, Zuriel Togiatama, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Albert Tuisue, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Levani Botia, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Viliame Mata
Backs – Frank Lomani, Simi Kuruvoli, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Teti Tela, Josua Tuisova, Semi Radradra, Waisea Nayacalevu, Iosefo Masi, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Vinaya Habosi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Sireli Maqala, Ilaisa Droasese
Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals (1987 & 2007)
2019 RWC performance: 3rd in Pool D
World ranking: 7th
MS News Sports prediction: Quarter-finals
GEORGIA
Head coach: Levan Maisashvili
Squad: Forwards – Mikheil Nariashvili, Guram Gogichashvili, Nika Abuladze, Beka Gigashvili, Guram Papidze, Luka Japaridze, Shalva Mamukashvili, Luka Nioradze, Tengiz Zamtaradze, Kote Mikoutadze, Nodar Cheishvili, Lasha Jayani, Lado Chachanidze, Beka Saghinadze, Beka Gorgadze, Giorgi Tsutskiridze, Tornike Jalaghonia, Mikheil Gachechiladze, Luka Ivanishvili
Backs – Vasil Lobzhanidze, Gela Aprasidze, Tengiz Peranidze, Tedo Abzhandadze, Luka Matkava, Merab Sharikadze, Tornike Kakhoidze, Demur Tapladze, Giorgi Kveseladze, Akaki Tabutsadze, Aleksandre Todua, Mirian Modebadze, Davit Niniashvili, Lasha Khmaladze
Best World Cup performance: Pool stage
2019 RWC performance: Fourth in Pool D
World ranking: 11th
MS News Sports prediction: Fourth in Pool C
PORTUGAL
Head coach: Patrice Lagisquet
Squad: Forwards: Antonio Machado Santos, David Costa, Diogo Hasse Ferreira, Francisco Fernandes, Francisco Bruno, Anthony Alves, Duarte Diniz, Lionel Campergue, Mike Tadjer, Duarte Torgal, Jose Madeira, Jose Maria Rebelo Andrade, Steevy Cerqueira, Martim Belo, Nicolas Martins, Rafael Simoes, Joao Granate, Thibault de Freitas, David Wallis
Backs – Joao Belo, Pedro Lucas, Samuel Marques, Jeronimo Portela, Joris Moura, Jose Lima, Tomas Appleton, Pedro Bettencourt, Rodrigo Marta, Vincent Pinto, Manuel Cardoso Pinto, Raffaele Storti, Nuno Sousa Guedes, Simao Bento
Best World Cup performance: Pool stage (2007)
2019 RWC performance: Did not qualify
World ranking: 16th
MS News Sports prediction: Fifth in Pool C
POOL D
England will have been delighted with their group when the draw was made in 2020, and they will be even happier with it now given their dreadful form coming into the competition.
There is still serious shock potential, particularly with Japan lurking and having upset the odds famously in both 2015 and 2019, but they are less of an unknown quantity now and their form has dipped a little since riding the wave of home support to reach the quarter-finals four years ago.
Had England been drawn against another top-10 team then there would be serious danger of them suffering an ignominious group-stage exit just four years after reaching the final, so they will be relieved that Argentina are their greatest rivals.
Los Pumas will fancy their chances of performing well in France, though, and it would be no major surprise to see them top the group ahead of England, while being on the kind side of the draw would then open the door for them to go far in the competition.
FIXTURES
Sept 9: England vs. Argentina
Sept 10: Japan vs. Chile
Sept 16: Samoa vs. Chile
Sept 17: England vs. Japan
Sept 22: Argentina vs. Samoa
Sept 23: England vs. Chile
Sept 28: Japan vs. Samoa
Sept 30: Argentina vs. Chile
Oct 7: England vs. Samoa
Oct 8: Japan vs. Argentina
ENGLAND
Head coach: Steve Borthwick
Squad: Forwards – Dan Cole, Ellis Genge, Joe Marler, Bevan Rodd, Kyle Sinckler, Will Stuart, Theo Dan, Jamie George, Jack Walker, Ollie Chessum, Maro Itoje, Courtney Lawes, George Martin, Tom Curry, Ben Earl, Lewis Ludlam, David Ribbans, Billy Vunipola, Jack Willis
Backs – Danny Care, Ben Youngs, Alex Mitchell, Owen Farrell (captain), George Ford, Marcus Smith, Elliot Daly, Ollie Lawrence, Joe Marchant, Manu Tuilagi, Henry Arundell, Max Malins, Freddie Steward, Jonny May
Best World Cup performance: Winners (2003)
2019 RWC performance: Runners-up
World ranking: 8th
MS News Sports prediction: Fourth place
JAPAN
Head coach: Jamie Joseph
Squad: Forwards – Keita Inagaki, Craig Millar, Sione Halasili, Gu Ji Won, Shinnosuke Kakinaga, Asaeli Ai Valu, Shota Horie, Atsushi Sakate, Kosuke Horikoshi, James Moore, Jack Cornelsen, Ben Gunter, Kazuki Himeno, Shota Fukui, Michael Leitch
Backs – Naoto Saito, Yutaka Nagare, Kenta Fukuda, Jumpei Ogura, Lee Seung Sin, Rikiya Matsuda, Tomoki Osada, Shogo Nakano, Ryoto Nakamura, Dylan Riley, Jone Naikabula, Siosaia Fifita, Semisi Masirewa, Lomano Lava Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima
Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals (2019)
2019 RWC performance: Quarter-finals
World ranking: 14th
MS News Sports prediction: 3rd in Pool D
ARGENTINA
Head coach: Michael Cheika
Squad: Forwards – Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Joel Sclavi, Thomas Gallo, Eduardo Bello, Julian Montoya (captain), Agustin Creevy, Ignacio Ruiz, Matias Alemanno, Tomas Lavanini, Guido Petti, Facundo Isa, Pablo Matera, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Santiago Grondona, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Pedro Rubiolo
Backs – Gonzalo Bertranou, Tomas Cubelli, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Santiago Carreras, Nicolas Sanchez, Santiago Chocobares, Lucio Cinti, Jeronimo de la Fuente, Matias Moroni, Emiliano Boffelli, Mateo Carreras, Rodrigo Isgro, Juan Cruz Mallia, Martin Bogado, Juan Imhoff
Best World Cup performance: Third place (2007)
2019 RWC performance: 3rd in Pool C
World ranking: 6th
MS News Sports prediction: Third place
SAMOA
Head coach: Seilala Mapusua
Squad: Forwards – Michael Alaalatoa (co-captain), Paul Alo-Emile, Charlie Faumuina, Jordan Lay, Seilala Lam, Sama Malolo, Luteru Tolai, Brian Alainuuese, Theo McFarland, Sam Slade, Chris Vui (co-captain), Sootala Faasoo, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Fritz Lee, Steven Luatua, Alamanda Motuga, Taleni Seu, Sa Jordan Taufua
Backs – Ere Enari, Melani Matavao, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Lima Sopoaga, Alai D’Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Duncan Paiaaua, Ulupano Junior Seuteni, Nigel Ah Wong, Ed Fidow, Neria Fomai, Benjamin Lam, Danny Toala
Best World Cup performance: Quarter-finals (1991 & 1995)
2019 RWC performance: Fourth in Pool A
World ranking: 12th
MS News Sports prediction: Fourth in Pool D
CHILE
Head coach: Pablo Lemoine
Squad: Forwards – Javier Carrasco, Salvador Lues, Matias Dittus, Inaki Gurruchaga, Esteban Inostroza; Augusto Bohme, Tomas Dussaillant, Diego Escobar; Javier Eissmann, Pablo Huete, Santiago Pedrero, Augusto Sarmiento; Alfonso Escobar, Raimundo Martinez, Clemente Saavedra, Martin Sigren (captain), Ignacio Silva
Backs – Lukas Carvallo, Marcelo Torrealba, Benjamin Videla; Rodrigo Fernandez, Santiago Videla; Pablo Casas, Matias Garafulic, Jose Ignacio Larenas, Domingo Saavedra, Franco Velarde, Nicolas Garafulic, Inaki Ayarza, Francisco Urroz
Best World Cup performance: N/A
2019 RWC performance: Did not qualify
World ranking: 22nd
MS News Sports prediction: Fifth in Pool D
