The countdown is over, the 2023 Rugby World Cup has finally arrived with hosts France to launch the tournament with one of the biggest and most anticipated opening matches against the All Blacks in Paris.
The blockbuster opening weekend continues with Australia, Italy and Ireland all taking to the pitch for their opening matches, while three headline clashes will also take place, with England facing Argentina, Scotland taking on South Africa, and Wales against Fiji to close out the weekend. Read ahead for team lists and previews.
RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023: Squads | Schedule | Podcast
Jump ahead to a particular game.
France vs. New Zealand
Italy vs. Namibia
Ireland vs. Romania
Australia vs. Georgia
England vs. Argentina
Japan vs. Chile
South Africa vs. Scotland
Wales vs. Fiji
Friday, September 8
France vs. New Zealand, Stade de France, Paris (9:15p.m. local / 5:15am AEST / 8:15pm GMT)
France: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont, Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Francois Cros, Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki, Uini Atonio, Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi.
Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Melvyn Jaminet.
New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Dalton Papali’i, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku
Verdict:
Tip:
Saturday, September 9
Italy vs. Namibia, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne (1p.m. local / 9p.m. AEST / 12p.m. GMT)
Italy:
Namibia: Divan Rossouw, Gerswin Mouton, Johan Deysel (captain), Danco Burger, JC Greyling, Tiaan Swanepoel, Damian Stevens, Richard Hardwick, Johan Retief, Wian Conradie, Tjiuee Uanivi, Adriaan Ludick, Aranos Coetzee, Torsten van Jaarsveld, Desiderius Sethie.
Replacements: Louis van der Westhuizen, Jason Benade, Casper Viviers, Tiaan de Klerk, Prince Gaoseb, Jacques Theron, Andre van der Berg, Le Roux Malan
Verdict:
Tip:
– Rugby World Cup: Squads | Schedule | Standings | Podcast | Injuries
Ireland vs. Romania, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux (3:30p.m. local/ 9:30p.m. AEST / 2:30p.m. GMT)
Ireland:
Romania:
Verdict:
Tip:
POOL A PREVIEW | POOL B PREVIEW | POOL C PREVIEW | POOL D PREVIEW
Australia vs. Georgia, Stade de France, Paris (6p.m. local / 2a.m. AEST / 5p.m. GMT)
Australia:
Georgia:
Verdict:
Tip:
England vs. Argentina, Stade de Marseille, Marseille (9p.m. local / 5a.m. AEST, 8p.m. GMT)
England:
Argentina:
Verdict:
Tip:
Sunday, September 10
Japan vs. Chile, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse (1p.m. local / 9p.m. AEST / 12p.m. GMT)
Japan:
Chile:
Verdict:
Tip:
Editor’s Picks
-
‘It was a s—show’: The bingo card of doom that engulfed Australian rugby
-
Ranking Rugby World Cup champions: Who is the greatest of all time?
-
Why this Rugby World Cup might be the All Blacks’ most important yet
South Africa vs. Scotland, Stade de Marseille, Marseille (5:45p.m. local / 1:45a.m. / 4:45p.m. GMT)
South Africa: Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Manie Libbok, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff
Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Willie le Roux
Scotland:
Verdict:
Tip:
Wales vs. Fiji, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux (9p.m. local / 5a.m. AEST / 8p.m. GMT)
Wales:
Fiji:
Verdict:
Tip: