Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup 2023?

[Windows97]

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.

[reprobate]

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.

[frugby]

I think France.

They'll Top our Pool, and then knock over SA in the QF
I think the ABs knock over Ireland in the QF... Not 100% sure it will be a NZ France final, but I think if France get to the semis, it is 100% theirs to lose.

[akan004]

SA as they have the best forward pack and the most stifling defence. Goal kicking is a concern though.

[Frank]

Fuck knows.

[mariner4life]

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.

[BorderJB]

As a ABs supporter it's just one game at a time, the top 4 in the world could knock each other out, knock each other around and Wales, England or Aussie could win.
But I'm hoping Fozzie pulls them through and goes out on a high.

[Duluth]

@smuts Argentina?

[Dan54]

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.

[sparky]

Another reason why I think Ireland will win. They get very few cards.

https://x.com/fmc_rugby/status/1699133442368086466?s=46

[booboo]

Ireland win the final but get stripped of the title because five of their players test positive for PEDs ...

[Smuts]

@booboo said in Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup 2023?:

Ireland win the final but get stripped of the title because five of their players test positive for PEDs ...

Beautiful nightmare

[Smuts]

@Duluth said in Who do you think will win the Rugby World Cup 2023?:

@smuts Argentina?

The heart wants what the heart wants

[Derm McCrum]

Dearie me. I haven't read such dire love for Ireland since Bundee Aki decided to go house shopping in Galway.

[sparky]

@booboo Only five?

[reprobate]

@Derm-McCrum Speaking for myself, Sexton is the fucking worst. Everyone else Irish I'm fine with them winning, but I really want that fluffybunny to fail.

[bayimports]

I think France, but those backing Ireland because they don't get many cards is a good bet. I think this is likely to have an impact throughout the tournament (it may even have an impact in pool play)

[Canes4life]

I'm picking South Africa. The way they dismantled us the other day was impressive, and the fact they now are able to fit the best hooker in the world into their starting side will take them up a notch in the crunch games.

[ACT Crusader]

I'm predicting 2011 and the ABs win.

I reckon Ireland get done in the quarters.

[Machpants]

Ireland, by heaps, by far the most dominant team last few years