On Friday 8 September at the Stade de France in Paris the opening ceremony will signal the start of Rugby World Cup 2023 as the host nation France take on New Zealand. A match that sets a new tournament record as no fixture has been contested at Rugby World Cups on more occasions than this one.
So the stage is set for 10th men’s Rugby World Cup and the second to be hosted by France, 200 years on since Rugby School pupil William Webb Ellis was credited with inventing the game of rugby football in 1823. The Summer Nations Series of pre-world cup friendlies is over. The performances, visits to the bunker (foul play review), the shot clock, red cards & disciplinary committees, suspended players and the final squad announcements have all made for some interesting headlines of late. No more so than the final week-end of fixtures which saw a double header at Twickenham in London where the reigning world champions South Africa thumped New Zealand 35-7 and the next day the Flying Fijians beat England for the first time.
Fiji beat England 33-20 in what was the 8th meeting between the sides. It was England's first ever loss against a Tier 2 nation.
The 20 participating nations are now assembling in France, match officials have been appointed for the forty pool matches, broadcast rights holders across the globe are promoting their schedules and World Rugby recently launched Rugby Pass TV. The official app is available to download and you can even play Fantasy Rugby.
Following the recent series of matches and the Rugby Championship back in July, World Rugby's rankings have been updated with seven of the top ten teams finding themselves in different positions. There are some notable climbers and fallers in these rankings but it is Ireland who head to Rugby World Cup 2023 as the number one ranked side in the world.
Mainstream & social media is now awash with opinion as to who will make it out of the group stages and into the knock out phases and ultimately lift the cup.
The opening week-end of fixtures (8, 9 & 10 September) will shape the four pool tables with the stand out fixtures being England vs Argentina (pool D) and South Africa vs Scotland (pool B) in Marseille. Wales face Fiji (pool C) in Bordeaux whilst Ireland will be expected to get a bonus point win against Romania (pool B) in the same city. Australia face Georgia (pool C) in Paris as Italy aim to secure a big win against Namibia in Saint Etienne (pool A), before they face both France and New Zealand in their final two pool matches.
So who will make it to the quarter finals and reach the final on Saturday 28 October and, can you still get there in person to watch these matches?
According to the statistic gurus Opta it's a close call as to who will take home the coveted Webb Ellis trophy. They reportedly simulated the Rugby World Cup 10 million times to get the percentages below and predict who is likely become world champions.
DAIMANI as the exclusive, international Official Hospitality Agent for Rugby World Cup 2023 can't tell you which captain will lift the trophy in Paris but, it predicts that demand to attend the knock out phase matches will intensify after the opening round of pool matches.
Visit the following link to explore all the available options in Paris and Marseille. There are different tiers of hospitality, all with gold category tickets, to suit all budgets. From Webb Ellis & Du Manoir in the luxury category to Le Village & Brennus that both offer a premium experience. There is also Rugby House (see video below). DAIMANI can also assist with travel and accommodation.
Rugby House. Available for all matches in Marseille and Paris including all the knock out matches.
