Who are the TOP FOUR CANDIDATES in the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

The World Cup, which will be played on French soil, starts on Friday and there are four countries that seem to be above the rest.

He came Rugby World Cup France 2023 and there are four teams that, for ample reasons, seem to be a step above the rest. Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and the owner of the house They will be the best candidates to lift the trophy Webb Ellis. Next, the analysis.

France, the host

Les Bleusexponents of champagne rugby, They came boldly not only because they were locals. In 2022 they became Six Nations champions, after 12 years of drought. In the current calendar, they are second.

Besides, They have the star of Antoine Dupont, scrum half, who for many is the best player on the planet. In fact, this is how World Rugby recognized it in 2021.

The French team is in Group A with New Zealand (his debut rival), Italy, Namibia and Uruguay. Under Fabien Galthié’s direction, he should have no problem getting through the round.

New Zealand, the largest

Champions in 1987, 2011 and 2015, the All Blacks are always favorites for the title. Historically, it has always been the most successful and respected nation. They come to the French territory as the owners of the Rugby Championship as they have won the last four editions.

In addition to offering a high-flying gameas colorful as it is deadly, the oceans thirst for revenge. Let’s remember that In the last World Cup, they lost in the semifinals against England, ultimately runner-up. But that’s not all: they recently suffered the worst beating in their history.

The black-clad cast will form Group A with France, Italy, Namibia and Uruguay.

Ireland, number one in the IRB World Ranking

The Irish they lead the ranking of countries and it’s no coincidence: They were crowned unbeaten in the Six Nations and recorded 13 consecutive victories. Their last defeat was more than a year ago, in July 2022, against New Zealand, with whom they have a fierce rival.

Clover arrived in France hungry, because He has a thorn to clear: he did not reach the semi-final in the competition. In the last three editions, he was left in the quarterfinals.

Ireland are in Group B, the one of death, along with South Africa, Scotland (N5), Tonga and Romania.

South Africa, the defending champion

Champions in 2019 (also in 1995 and 2007), the Springboks They are feared for their physical power and their strength in fixed formations.. They have an experienced teamslightly renewed compared to four years ago, and has the best package of forwards. They just handed their biggest rivals, New Zealand, the worst defeat in their history.

The African team will be part of Group B, the one at the death, along with Ireland, Scotland (N5), Tonga and Romania.