The 10th Rugby World Cup kicks off in Paris on 8 September at the Stade de France. In a mouth-watering match-up the hosts, France, will face the All Blacks in the opening game. 

There will then be 47 further matches over the following seven weeks through to the final on 28 October – with potentially the same two teams facing each other.

As the anticipation builds, find out who the favourites are, read about five of the star players to look out for, and discover why France is the ideal location for a Rugby World Cup.

The pre-tournament consensus is that there are 4 stand-out teams

Most rugby experts are predicting that the two finalists are likely to come from the following four teams.

France

The hosts have never won the tournament, but you have to think that they won’t have a better chance. They will be backed by a notoriously passionate home support and have a superb squad of players coming to the boil nicely over the last couple of years. 

New Zealand 

The All Blacks have been one of the favourites at every tournament since the Rugby World Cup launched in 1987. They have won it three times, most recently at Twickenham in 2019. 

They have their usual mix of experienced players and rising stars. After a few hiccups, at the time of writing they have been unbeaten for more than 12 months – an ominous run of success.

South Africa

The Springboks are the current holders after beating England in the final in Tokyo four years ago. Like the All Blacks, they have won the trophy three times. 

As is always the case they will be hard to beat. Their success is based on an incredibly strong and intimidating pack, including the feared “bomb squad” coming off the bench at the start of the second half.

Ireland 

The Irish have never got beyond the quarter-finals, but their fervent supporters will be hoping that, after many disappointments, this will be the year. 

The perennial problem they seem to have is peaking for the World Cup a year too early, but as current Six Nations champions, including a grand slam in the bargain, they are the best bet among the home nations.

An unbalanced draw means fancied teams could go out early

The draw for this Rugby World Cup took place in December 2020, nearly three years before the tournament. 

The early announcement was clearly designed to pique interest in the run-up to tickets going on sale soon after, and to enable travelling fans to plan itineraries to follow their team through the group stages.   

However, it does mean that recent form can get overlooked from a seeding perspective. As you can see from the table, the four favourites you’ve already read about are clustered together in two pools.

So, with the quarter-final match-ups being the winners of Pool A playing the runners up of Pool B, and vice versa, you can appreciate how two of the most fancied teams are very likely to be making a premature exit.

5 of the key players to look out for

As is the case in all sports, Rugby World Cups are a great opportunity for previously little-known players to make a name for themselves, and for established stars to cement their place in the pantheon of the sport.

Here are five of the top players to look out for at this year’s tournament.

1. Antoine Dupont

At only 26, the French scrum-half is already regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. The Toulouse man has an amazing combination of speed, strength, and skill. Much of the French optimism in the run-up to this tournament is due to how he can dominate almost every match he plays in.  

2. Josh van der Flier 

The Irishman was the 2022 European and World Rugby player of the year. His ability to maintain that level of performance will be key to Ireland’s chances of a first World Cup success.

3. Lukhanyo Am

While all the focus is on South Africa’s feared group of forwards, the centre partnership of Am and Damian de Allende was one of the key factors in South Africa’s success four years ago. If he can find the same form this time round, South Africa will be hard to beat.

4. Aaron Smith 

One of the few remaining veterans from New Zealand’s 2015 World Cup win, this World Cup is likely to be his last. A victory in the final will be a fitting swansong for one of the all-time great All Blacks. 

5. Freddie Steward 

The last couple of years have been disappointing for English supporters. One rare bright spot has been how the Leicester man has taken the opportunity to establish himself as first choice full-back in the England starting 15.

France is the perfect place to stage a Rugby World Cup

Having successfully hosted this event in 2007, it’s safe to say that the whole of the country will be committed to ensuring this Rugby World Cup will be a resounding success. Because of this, visiting supporters will be guaranteed a warm welcome. 

Thousands of UK fans will make the short journey over the Channel, and many Italian supporters are also likely to make the equally simple trip over the border to watch their side. 

Southern hemisphere fans always travel in numbers too so, coupled with the traditional conviviality around rugby, it all means France will be hosting a seven-week multinational sporting party.

Top quality transport links within the country mean it’s easy for supporters to follow their teams. Alternatively, many will take the opportunity to base themselves in suitable accommodation near a couple of venues and watch whichever games are on. If there are vineyards close by, then all the better!

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