Rugby World Cup 2023 – Week 2

As the second week of the Rugby World Cup 2023 unfolds, the pitch is ablaze with energy, drama, and raw athletic prowess. From France's relentless charge to New Zealand's formidable comeback, every tackle and try tells a story of determination, ambition, and passion. Italy makes a mark, leaving the world in anticipation of their next match, while Uruguay and Namibia face their challenges head-on. 

Dive into this week's highlights, where strategies were tested, legends were made, and the battle for supremacy continued. Patrick Meyer is here to give you an exclusive breakdown of Week 2's unmissable moments. Grab your jersey, it's game on!

Pool A

Win = 4 points, Draw = 2 points, Loss = 0 points, Bonus points = 1 or 2 points*

*1 bonus point for scoring 4 or more tries, 1 bonus point for losing by 7 points or less

Played 

France 27 – 12 Uruguay, Thursday, 14 September

France clinched a 27-12 win against Uruguay at the Rugby World Cup in Lille, securing their second consecutive victory. Coach Fabien Galthie implemented significant lineup changes, opting to rest key players like Antoine Dupont and Mathieu Jalibert. Despite an unexpected early try by Uruguay, France eventually gained control of the game. The upcoming fixtures include a match between France and Namibia, while Uruguay is set to face Italy and Namibia in the following weeks. This victory reinforced France's position in the tournament, demonstrating their depth and adaptability as they pursue success in the Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand 71 – 3 Namibia, Friday, 15 September 

New Zealand bounced back from their opening Rugby World Cup loss to France with a dominant 71-3 victory over Namibia in Pool A. This marked the All Blacks' 50th World Cup win since their first title in 1987. Despite their initial defeat to France, New Zealand regained their form in rainy Toulouse. Namibia, who hadn't won a World Cup match since 1999, struggled against New Zealand's pace and power. New Zealand secured a bonus-point victory with numerous tries, including a record-equalling appearance by lock Sam Whitelock. Upcoming, they face Italy in a crucial match that will likely determine the second quarter-finalist from Pool A.

Upcoming

Wednesday, 20 September - Italy vs Uruguay

There are very few people who would bet against France and New Zealand topping the group. However, with the All Blacks already having lost a game, the door is open for one of these two teams to sneak into the next round. And if that is to happen, this game is a must-win. Confidence in the Italian dressing room I high after their impressive outing against the Namibians. Uruguay however, are set to prove a much sterner test. Uruguay’s last game was a loss against the home nation, France, and will be looking to secure their win of the tournament. The bookies all predict an Italian win.

Thursday, 21 September - France vs Namibia

Home team France is one of the favourites to lift the Webb Ellis trophy and have had a better start than some would have predicted. They opened the tournament with a convincing win against the powerful All Blacks and then followed up with a comfortable 4 points against Uruguay, who are far from a pushover. We all know that Namibia is likely to win as Eben Etzebeth is to play flyhalf. The only question here is if they can outdo the All Blacks who smashed our neighbours 71-3. It’d take a brave man to bet against Les Bleus bagging the bonus point win and maintaining their 100% record.

Pool B

Win = 4 points, Draw = 2 points, Loss = 0 points, Bonus points = 1 or 2 points*

*1 bonus point for scoring 4 or more tries, 1 bonus point for losing by 7 points or less

Played 

South Africa 76 – 0 Romania, Sunday, 17 September

South Africa dominated Romania in their second Pool B match at the Rugby World Cup, winning 76-0. Cobus Reinach and Makazole Mapimpi each scored a hat-trick of tries. The Springboks secured a bonus point within 12 minutes, with Reinach and Damian Willemse crossing early, along with Mapimpi's first try. Reinach completed his hat-trick before halftime, and South Africa led 33-0. Deon Fourie scored the sixth try in the 43rd minute, and Romania's discipline faltered, leading to a penalty try after 54 minutes. Grant Williams added two more tries, and Mapimpi completed his hat-trick. South Africa led 71-0 with 13 minutes remaining, and Willie le Roux scored their final try, following their opening win against Scotland. 

Upcoming

Saturday, 23 September – South Africa vs Ireland

In a pivotal showdown in Pool B, the reigning World Champions, the Springboks, go head-to-head with the Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam Champions, Ireland. With both teams boasting unblemished records, this match promises to be a defining moment in the tournament. Scheduled for September 23 at the Stade de France, it's a faceoff between two of the top contenders for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

The victor will likely secure a more favourable path to the quarter-finals, although the formidable Pool A qualifiers, France and New Zealand, await all challengers. In their opening matches, South Africa convincingly defeated Scotland and demolished Romania, while Ireland racked up an 80-point triumph over the same team and secured a bonus point win over Tonga. As the rugby world watches, this clash of titans will determine who maintains their perfect record and gains momentum on the path to World Cup glory. All the bookies favour the Boks to go on and win this encounter.

Sunday, 24 September - Scotland vs Tonga

Scotland's second match in Pool B at the 2023 Rugby World Cup is set for September 24th against Tonga at the Stade de Nice. These teams have crossed paths only once in World Cup history, back in the 1995 edition, when Scotland emerged victorious with a convincing 41-5 win in Pretoria. Their most recent encounter occurred during the 2021 autumn internationals, with Scotland triumphing 60-14, scoring ten tries.

Overall, in their five meetings, Scotland has emerged victorious four times, while Tonga has secured just one win. As they prepare to face each other once again, Scotland appears to be the favourite, given their historical dominance and recent performance, yet the unpredictable nature of rugby ensures an exciting matchup ahead.

Pool C

Win = 4 points, Draw = 2 points, Loss = 0 points, Bonus points = 1 or 2 points*

*1 bonus point for scoring 4 or more tries, 1 bonus point for losing by 7 points or less

Played 

Australia 15 – 22 Fiji, Sunday, 17 September  

In a historic upset, Fiji secured a remarkable 22-15 victory over Australia in the Rugby World Cup, putting the Wallabies on the brink of an early tournament exit. This marked Fiji's first win against Australia in 69 years, with Josua Tuisova's second-half try and Simione Kuruvoli's precise kicking making the crucial difference. Australia now faces a must-win clash against Wales, with their hopes of advancing from Pool C hanging in the balance. A victory against Wales could complicate Wales' qualification as well, intensifying the competition in the group. Fiji's triumph has thrown the pool into uncertainty, as they have a shot at reaching the quarter-finals with upcoming matches against Georgia and Portugal. Their unexpected win has reshaped the dynamics of Pool C.

Wales 28 – 8 Portugal, Saturday, 16 September  

Wales secured a hard-fought 28-8 victory against Portugal, earning a crucial bonus-point try in the final moments. Despite facing a determined underdog making their first Rugby World Cup appearance in 16 years, Wales couldn't completely dominate as expected. Winger Louis Rees-Zammit kicked off the try count with a kick-and-chase score in the ninth minute. Hooker and captain for the  day, Dewi Lake, drove over for Wales' second try just before halftime. Jac Morgan added Wales' third try early in the second half. The biggest cheer in Nice came when Portugal executed a slick lineout trick, leading to flanker Nicolas Martins' try, highlighting their resilience. No. 8 Taulupe Faletau sealed Wales' win with a final try in the 83rd minute. Though not a runaway victory, Wales secured maximum points in Pool C.

Upcoming

Saturday, 23 September – Georgia vs Portugal

Even the most knowledgeable rugby fan can be forgiven for not knowing or expecting much from these two teams. Both teams can be considered to be here just to make up the numbers and if either team secure a point, outside of this match, it could be considered a victory for them. Neither team are known for their ability, All we do know is that the last time that the teams met was in the 2023 Rugby Europe Championship. Georgia won that match and the title with a score of 38-11. Will they continue to dominate the Portuguese or will the Iberians gain some level of revenge? Well, the bookies see Georgia as heavy favourites so take that for what you will.

Sunday, 24 September - Wales vs Australia

Fiji caused the first real upset of RWC23 when they beat southern hemisphere titans, Australia, in the previous round. This leaves the Aussies in third place in the group and in real danger of a humiliating first-round exit. The only thing a South African fan loves as much as a Springbok victory is a loss by either the All Blacks or the Australians. Wales top the group with a maximum 10 points after two bonus points victories and will be looking to maintain their 100% record. With all that said, the bookies are all offering pretty similar odds of Aussies coming out victorious.

Pool D

Win = 4 points, Draw = 2 points, Loss = 0 points, Bonus points = 1 or 2 points*

*1 bonus point for scoring 4 or more tries, 1 bonus point for losing by 7 points or less

Played 

Samoa 43 – 10 Chile, Saturday, 16 September  

Samoa celebrated a triumphant Rugby World Cup debut, securing a bonus-point victory against Chile in Bordeaux. Chilean fans created an electric atmosphere, performing the Cueca dance outside the stadium, while inside, their passionate support echoed loudly. Despite Chile's improved rugby performance, discipline issues marred their game, with 17 penalties and two yellow cards. The first half remained closely contested, with crucial penalty kicks by Samoa's Christian Leali’ifano and Chile's Matias Garafulic. However, Samoa dominated the second half, scoring four quickfire tries courtesy of Duncan Paia’aua, Jonathan Taumateine, Fritz Lee, and Sama Malolo. The match grew scrappy and heated in the final quarter, leading to multiple sin-binnings. Samoa's impressive win leaves Chile with a daunting encounter against England in their next match.

England 34 – 12 Japan, Sunday, 17 September  

England secured an impressive bonus-point win over Japan at the Rugby World Cup in Stade de Nice, triumphing 34-12 despite a shaky start. Tries from Lewis Ludlam, Courtney Lawes, Freddie Steward, and Joe Marchant ensured the bonus point. George Ford opened the scoring with a penalty, while Rikiya Matsuda kept Japan in the game with penalties. In the second half, England turned the tide with Lawes, Steward, and Marchant scoring. Japan had chances but couldn't convert. England's solid second-half performance sealed the victory under the South of France sky, taking the final score to 34-12 in favour of Steve Borthwick’s side.

Upcoming

Friday, 22 September - Argentina vs Samoa

Argentina faces Samoa on September 22 in their second Rugby World Cup 2023 match. The extended gap since their opener against England allows for recovery and improvement. However, concerns loom over three players. Cruz Mallía, the starting fullback against England, suffered from a head-on collision but is expected to regain full fitness for the Samoa match. Martín Bogado offers a backup option at fullback. Wingers Emiliano Boffelli and Rodrigo Isgró can cover fullback if needed. Joel Sclavi, with a rib cartilage fracture, may miss the game, affecting prop versatility. Scrum-half Gonzalo Bertranou, replaced during the England match, also faces uncertainties. Despite concerns,  Argentina has backup options and seems poised to manage potential player absences against Samoa.

Saturday, 23 September - England vs Chile

England and Chile are set to clash for the first time at the Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille. England, eyeing a knockout stage spot, aims to dominate Chile, who hope to defy the odds with an upset.

England leads the group with two wins, one of them a bonus-point victory, including their recent 34-12 triumph over Japan. Meanwhile, Chile sits at the bottom, yet to secure a win in the tournament. While an outright victory appears unlikely for Chile, attaining a bonus point by losing by less than 7 points would be a notable achievement. England is the clear favourite, expected to secure an easy victory as they continue their journey towards group victory.