A story of French culture in the opening ceremony delivered by 280 volunteers marked the start of Rugby World Cup 2023 and the birth of the sport. In front of 78,680 fans in the Stade de France, with a further 40,000 packed into the Paris Rugby Village, the home nation's 27-13 victory over New Zealand set the tone for a spectacular week-end of rugby and hospitality.
A double header in Marseille saw England's George Ford kick them to victory over Argentina (27-10) in pool D to set them on the way to the quarter-finals. The next day reigning world champions South Africa beat Scotland (18-3) as both of these teams now look ahead to playing world no.1 ranked side Ireland in their pool B group. The Irish kicking off their campaign in Bordeaux with a record breaking win over Romania (82-8).
Japan and world cup debutants Chile played it out in the early afternoon sun in Toulouse on Saturday which saw a bonus point victory for the Cherry Blossoms (42-12) to top pool D. Next Sunday table toppers Japan take on England in Nice.
Italy lead pool A after their bonus points defeat of Namibia (52-8). Australia brought pool C to life in Paris as they edged out Georgia (35-15) but it was Wales and Fiji that had fans on their edge of their seats in a thrilling game in Bordeaux with the former claiming victory over the Pacific islanders (32-26). The Aussies now take on the Flying Fijians next Sunday in Saint Etienne.
With the pool tables now taking shape and performances lifting belief, fans of France, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and Scotland now have the opportunity to secure their hospitality experience in the quarter-finals. The L'Expert package guarantees your place at your team's knockout match. Should your team not qualify or make it through to your purchased L'Expert match you get your money back (see product description).
To check the available hospitality options (including gold category tickets) for the following upcoming pool matches visit DAIMANI.
- France vs Uruguay – Thursday 14 September in Lille
- New Zealand vs Namibia – Friday 15 September in Toulouse
- Ireland vs Tonga – Saturday 16 September in Nantes
- Australia vs Fiji – Sunday 17 September in Saint Etienne
- South Africa vs Romania – Sunday 17 September in Bordeaux
- England vs Japan – Sunday 17 September in Nice
