South Africa lifted the last Rugby World cup in 2019 in a brutal match against England. So could England win Rugby World Cup 2023?
We will look at the odds and who else could be in with a shout of the title.
If you look at the bookies it doesn’t look great for the English.
The tournament starts in September in France and excitement is already building.
Warm up
Wales will host England at the Principality Stadium this summer as part of their World Cup preparations. Warren Gatland’s men play the Red Roses on August 5 before heading to Twickenham for a return clash the following week.
New Zealand?
New Zealand legend Murray Mexted isn’t sure his country will take the crown.
“One step at a time, in my opinion, and at the moment, we’re not the perfect package,” Mexted said on The Platform’s It’s Only Sport show with Martin Devlin.
“Are we good enough at the moment to win the Rugby World Cup? No, we’re not, but we’re definitely showing the signs of a much-improved team.
“Provided the team is selected pretty consistently. In other words, not changing too many combinations, sticking together playing that team of 19 or 20 guys… to get more rhythm. We can only get better.
“We’re definitely trending in the right direction.”
England
Steve Hansen said: “I think [Australia] are a big show. I think England are a show for the same reason. They’re on that side of the pool and they’re being left alone while the big guys all knock themselves out. If you ask me who was capable of winning it, I think probably France, Ireland, the All Blacks, and South Africa – one of those four.”
Rugby World Cup 2023 odds
At the moment here are the odds for the Rugby World Cup 2023
France 11/4
New Zealand 11/4
Ireland 9/2
South Africa 9/2
Australia 17/2
England 10/1
Argentina 28/1
Wales 33/1
Scotland 40/1
Fiji 150/1
Japan 250/1
Tonga 350/1
Italy 500/1
Samoa 500/1
Gerogia 500/1
Uruguay 2000/1
Romania 2500/1
Namibia 2500/1
Chile 2500/1
Portugal 2500/1
Related: Jonny Bairstow MCC row: Another recent story shines light on members?