Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup 2023?
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Of the realistic contenders, my heart says France, then Ireland. My head tells me SA.
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@Catogrande Pretty much the same.
France are well overdue.
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@sparky said in Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup 2023?:
Ireland to win is my prediction too. They’ve got the best players this time around and seem to have a very organised and focused set up around the team.
IMO they are not winning if Sexton doesn't play. They may struggle against a big pack and their back three are class but maybe lack just that little bit of magic (NMS, Lomu, Habana, Kolbe etc). They will have to get over their fear of losing in the ¼ final. But this is far and away their best chance. Hard enough pool games though as they go Romania (could put out B team but won't, as will want to start well), Tonga (could put out B team but will be wary of an upset, so won't), South Africa (could be must win for SA if lose to Scotland), Scotland (could be must win for either side if lose to SA), then either France or NZ. That's a lot of consecutive tough games. Their starting team is all class, but the depth behind is less impressive.
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SA in a canter, France too inconsistent, AB's too inconsistent, Ireland just never get the job done.
SA has the best depth out of any team right now, a crunching forward pack, a first 5 who can kick distance and territory, backs that can finish.
Their only weakness would be if a team can get under their skin and make them play dumb.
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Head says Ireland. Heart says please god not fucking Ireland.
England, Aussie, Wales are dogshit. France have already lost their best prop, centre and 10, South Africa have lost their 10, and we are playing braindead high-risk rugby with a team that lacks composure. It's really all set up for the Irish to win it. I'm really hoping they choke - but looking at how they dealt to us in NZ against the weight of history I think that's probably wishful thinking. -
I've said South Africa all along, because the style they play is perfect for tournament rugby. They are so very comfortable in the pressure and grind of knockout rugby, but they actually have the outside backs to take advantage of the few opportunities that come your way.
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I buggered if I can be confident , I think Ireland will be thereabouts, with or without Sexton, Obviously won't write off ABs, or French, SA. I actually think a PI or Scotland will have a say, not because they will win it, but could have one good game that knocks a top team out!
Even as an AB supporter, I reasonably calm who takes it home. -
Another reason why I think Ireland will win. They get very few cards.
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Dearie me. I haven't read such dire love for Ireland since Bundee Aki decided to go house shopping in Galway.
