Can the All Blacks Win the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
The 2023 rugby world cup will take center stage in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023. France 2023 is a landmark tournament for rugby because it is the 10th edition of the rugby world cup, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the game of rugby, as noted on the Rugby World Cup’s website. There are no impossibilities in the game of rugby. Anything can happen, but does New Zealand stand a chance? Four years since missing out on Japan, can the All Blacks bring the trophy back home to Eden Park??
What are New Zealand’s chances of winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
With Rugby world cup victories recorded in 1987, 2011, and 2015, New Zealand can set a new record of winning the rugby world cup on four different occasions. New Zealand was one of the top teams in Band 1 during the rugby world cup draw alongside perennial rivals South Africa, England, and Wales. The draw pitted them against hosts France, Italy, Uruguay, and yet to be confirmed African side.
The All Blacks will begin their opening campaign against hosts France on 8 September 2023 at the Stade de France. There cannot be a tougher opening test than this for Ian Foster’s team, who will also be interested in avoiding a drop in rank at the tournament.
New Zealand were on a streak after winning back-to-back rugby world cups in 2011 and 2015. Still, a third consecutive tournament victory was not to be after England knocked them out during the semi-finals of the 2019 tournament. The final score was 19-7 in favor of England.
Having featured in all previous rugby world cup tournaments, the All Blacks are not oblivious of the tough demands of the tournament. New Zealand are one of the favorites for the tournament, especially because the All Blacks have the right mix of experienced players and young talents coming through the ranks.
Captain Sam Whitelock, Dana Coles, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, and other experienced players will be looking to motivate youngsters like Fakatava, Sevu Reece, Caleb Clarke, and others. The teeming All Blacks fan will also hope that New Zealand can draw inspiration from their previous rugby world cup performances to pip South Africa to the fourth title.
Conclusion
With 20 nations vying for the men’s rugby trophy last held by South Africa in 2019, the three-time champion, New Zealand, is among the leading contenders for the title after her third-place finish at the 2019 edition in Japan. Will New Zealand hit the fourth rugby world cup trophy? The stage in France will be set, and the All Blacks will have a solid chance to make history.
