Our Guide to the Rugby World Cup 2023 Pools and Teams

With Rugby World Cup France 2023 just around the corner, South African rugby fans can’t help but be excited for what will be an incredible test of skill, passion and excellent rugby. There is still a chance to book your front row spot – so check out our RWC Finals packages now!  

For those of you are going to France, or for those who’ll be watching on a big screen with a braai and a beer in hand, here’s a quick rundown of the Rugby World Cup Pools for France 2023.

POOL A

This eye-watering pool kicks off with a bang right on day one, when the host team, France, take on 3-time Rugby World Cup winners, New Zealand. These two formidable foes are expected to make it through to the Quarter Finals, where they’ll be meeting the winner and runner up from Pool B.  

Joining the Kiwis and the French in Pool A is Italy – another Six Nations contender – as well as qualifiers, Uruguay and Namibia. 

POOL  B

Possibly one of the toughest pools is Pool B. Featuring our very own Springboks who are looking to defend their iconic 2019 Championship title, the pool also includes very strong contenders Ireland, who have consistently put in excellent performances over the past two years. Coming up against these two teams, which are considered the ‘Top Two’, is Scotland, who will surely give both the Irish and the Boks a run for their money. 

Rounding up Pool B is Pacific Islanders, Tonga, and lately qualified Romania, who managed to nab the spot from Spain who were disqualified due to fielding incorrect players.

POOL C

Everyone seems to be bemoaning the fact that Pool C seems easy for the Aussies, but don’t be fooled. Wales is an incredibly tough opponent and beat Australia in Rugby World Cup 2019, by 29 points to 25, and have, in fact, won 3 of their last 5 clashes. Coming up as a fierce competitor behind Australia and the Welsh is Fiji, whose incredibly physical presence will no doubt be felt on the field. 

Pool C is completed by Georgia — who is also an incredibly physical European team — and Portugal – who last qualified for a Rugby World Cup back in 2007.  

POOL D 

And where would we be without a tough final pool. 2003 winners England will clash against a truly on-form Argentinian side, as well as Japan – who proved their mettle in 2019 when they hosted the tournament. If Japan has what it takes, they could give the South Americans a good run. 

Pool D is finalised by Pacific Islanders Samoa – whose haka is worth a watch! — and another South American qualifier, Chile. 

And there you have it! Add to the mix the pool of anticipated fans, supporters the world over and a thrilling host nation, and Rugby World Cup 2023 is shaping up to be an incredible event. Oh là là ! 

Browse our Rugby World Cup 2023 Packages now and book your spot before it’s too late!