Rugby World Cup Betting Preview

by Luke Andrews, 22 August 2023

Our UK sports betting expert, Luke Andrews, looks ahead to the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Join him as he shares the latest odds for the tournament that starts in France in September. Can France finally win Rugby’s top prize, or will it be another victory for South Africa, New Zealand, Australia or England?

The Rugby World Cup, which is held every four years, is a premier event in men’s rugby union, featuring the world’s elite international squads, and the tournament is naturally well covered by Rugby World Cup betting sites.

Overseen by the global authority for the sport, World Rugby, the triumphant team receives the prestigious Webb Ellis Trophy, which is named in honour of William Webb Ellis. According to a widely accepted tale, Ellis is credited with creating rugby when he picked up a ball during a football match.

The inaugural championship took place in 1987 and was a joint venture between Australia and New Zealand.

Only four nations have won the coveted prize: New Zealand and South Africa have each won three times, Australia has secured it twice, and England has a single victory. South Africa holds the title as of the last competition in 2019, having bested England in the finals.

Initially, the championship featured 16 teams from its inception until 1995. However, the number of participating teams expanded to 20 starting in 1999. Japan hosted the 2019 edition, while France is the host nation for the 2023 event, which begins on Friday, September 8. The hosts for the subsequent two World Cups are also known, Australia in 2027 and the United States in 2031. To foster gender equality in the sport, the women’s counterpart of the tournament was officially rebranded as the Rugby World Cup in 2021, aligning it with the men’s competition.

Rugby World Cup 2023 – All You Need to Know

France will serve as the stage for the Rugby World Cup in September and October this year. Currently, the championship trophy is in the possession of South Africa. England reached the finals in the 2019 edition, while France is eager to claim their first-ever victory in the tournament, especially since they’ll be playing on their own turf and in front of what is likely to be a hostile home crowd.

The Men’s Rugby World Cup, the 10th edition, will unfold in France, featuring 20 countries vying for the prestigious Webb Ellis trophy from September 8 to October 28.

After securing the Six Nations title in 2022, the French team aims to capture their inaugural Rugby World Cup championship, which is especially significant as they’ll compete on home ground. Like England, they’ve been runners-up in the tournament three times before.

The competition will begin with a high-profile opening game between France and New Zealand on Friday, September 8, at Paris’s Stade de France. It will be a fascinating clash between two of the favourites for the title. This venue will also be the setting for both semi-finals and the championship match on Saturday, October 28.

In addition to Paris, matches will take place in eight other French cities, including Marseille, Lyon, Lille, Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Nantes, and Toulouse.

Pool A is looking like the group of death with New Zealand and France. Ireland and Scotland also have a tough group with South Africa, although Tonga and Romania are likely to offer little resistance. England will face Japan, Argentina, Samoa and Chile in their group. It would be a shock if they didn’t win their group easily.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures and UK Kickoff Times

The action starts in September; here is the full list of fixtures for the Men’s Rugby World Cup;

• Friday September 8, 2023
  • France vs New Zealand (8 PM, Paris)
• Saturday September 9, 2023
  • Italy vs Namibia (12pm, Saint-Etienne)
  • Ireland vs Romania (2.30 PM, Bordeaux)
  • Australia vs Georgia (5 PM, Paris)
  • England vs Argentina (8 PM, Marseille)
• Sunday September 10, 2023
  • Japan vs Chile (12 PM, Toulouse)
  • South Africa vs Scotland (4.45 PM, Marseille)
  • Wales vs Fiji (8 PM, Bordeaux)
• Thursday September 14, 2023
  • France vs Uruguay (8pm, Lille)
• Friday September 15, 2023
  • New Zealand vs Namibia (8 PM, Toulouse)
• Saturday September 16, 2023
  • Samoa vs Chile (2 PM, Bordeaux)
  • Wales vs Portugal (4.45 PM, Nice)
  • Ireland vs Tonga (8 PM, Nantes)
• Sunday September 17, 2023
  • South Africa vs Romania (2pm, Bordeaux)
  • Australia vs Fiji (4.45pm, Saint-Etienne)
  • England vs Japan (8 PM, Nice)
• Wednesday September 20, 2023
  • Italy vs Uruguay (4.45 PM, Nice)
• Thursday September 21, 2023
  • France vs Namibia (8 PM, Marseille)
• Friday September 22, 2023
  • Argentina vs Samoa (4.45pm, Saint-Etienne)
• Saturday September 23, 2023
  • Georgia vs Portugal (1 PM, Toulouse)
  • England vs Chile (4.45pm, Lille)
  • South Africa vs Ireland (8 PM, Paris)
• Sunday September 24, 2023
  • Scotland vs Tonga (4.45 PM, Nice)
  • Wales vs Australia (8 PM, Lyon)
• Wednesday September 27, 2023
  • Uruguay vs Namibia (4.45 PM, Lyon)
• Thursday September 28, 2023
  • Japan vs Samoa (8 PM, Toulouse)
• Friday September 29, 2023
  • New Zealand vs Italy (8 PM, Lyon)
• Saturday September 30, 2023
  • Argentina vs Chile (2pm, Nantes)
  • Fiji vs Georgia (4.45 PM, Bordeaux)
  • Scotland vs Romania (8 PM, Lille)
• Sunday October 1, 2023
  • Australia vs Portugal (4.45pm, Saint-Etienne)
  • South Africa vs Tonga (8 PM, Marseille)
• Thursday October 5, 2023
  • New Zealand vs Uruguay (8 PM, Lyon)
• Friday October 6, 2023
  • France vs Italy (8pm, Lyon)
• Saturday October 7, 2023
  • Wales vs Georgia (2pm, Nantes)
  • England vs Samoa (14.45pm, Lille)
  • Ireland vs Scotland (8pm, Paris)
• Sunday October 8, 2023
  • Japan vs Argentina (12pm, Nantes)
  • Tonga vs Romania (4.45pm, Lille)
  • Fiji vs Portugal (8pm, Toulouse)
• Saturday October 14, 2023
  • QUARTER FINAL – Pool C Winner vs Pool D Runner-Up (4pm, Marseille)
  • QUARTER FINAL – Pool B Winner vs Pool A Runner-Up (8pm, Paris)
• Sunday October 15, 2023
  • QUARTER FINAL – Pool D Winner vs Pool C Runner-Up (4pm, Marseille)
  • QUARTER FINAL – Pool A Winner vs Pool B Runner-Up (8pm, Paris)
• Friday October 20, 2023
  • SEMI FINAL – Quart Final 1 Winner vs Quarter Final 2 Winner (8pm, Paris)
• Saturday October 21, 2023
  • SEMI FINAL – Quarter Final 3 Winner vs Quarter Final 4 Winner (8pm, Paris)
• Friday October 27, 2023
  • 3rd Place Play-off – Semi Final 1 Runner-Up vs Semi Final 2 Runner-Up (8pm, Paris)
• Saturday October 28, 2023
  • FINAL – Semi-Final 1 Winner vs Semi-Final 2 Winner (8pm, Paris)

Rugby World Cup 2023 Betting Odds

With Rugby World Cup betting very popular with rugby betting fans, in this last section, we will explore the latest odds on offer. I’ll cover the Group betting market (the two favourites and the two outsiders) and the Rugby World Cup outright winner betting.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Betting Odds – Pool A Winner

Group A contains New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia;

As New Zealand are three times winners (1987, 2011 and 2015), it’s no surprise to see them instilled as 10/11 favourites with bet365. France are just behind in the betting at 21/20. Namibia is expected to be the whipping boys of the group, priced at a healthy 2,500 to 1 to top the table.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Betting Odds – Pool B Winner

Group B contains South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga and Romania;

The Irish rugby team is highly fancied to win group B at 11/10 which is a bit of a surprise as they are in the same group as three-time winners South Africa (5/4). Scotland have an outside chance of qualifying at 10/1, with Tonga expected to struggle (200/1).

Rugby World Cup 2023 Betting Odds – Pool C Winner

Group C contains Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal;

Bookmakers expect two-time winners Australia (1991 & 1999) to breeze through the group, pricing them at 1/2. Wales are likely to be backed to pip them, and it could be profitable to back them at 11/4 to win the group. Fiji (12/1) and Georgia (150/1) are unlikely to pose much of a threat.

Rugby World Cup 2023 Betting Odds – Pool D Winner

Group D contains England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa and Chile;

England are always well-backed at major tournaments, and the bookmakers feel they will top the group (4/9). Argentina are expected to be England’s main competition in the group (13/8). Samoa (150/1) and Chillie (1000/1) are likely to struggle.

“England have been given a fairly easy group to contend with, with only Argentina likely to cause them any issues. With the tournament being held in France, it’s a great opportunity for England to win their second World Cup. At 11/1 to win the competition they are worth backing, but I’m mindful of their 25% success rate in World Cup finals.” – Luke Andrews, Betting Expert – UK Market.

Rugby World Cup 2023 – Player of the Tournament Betting

One of the most popular markets when Rugby World Cup betting is predicting the identity of the player of the tournament. Below you can see the latest odds;

Antoine Dupont, at 6/1 is the bookie’s favourite to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup Player of the Tournament. He has won four major trophies, including two Top 14 titles, the European Rugby Champions Cup, and the Six Nations Championship. Dupont appeared on the cover of the video game Rugby 22.

Antoine Dupont kicking the air out the rugby ball. 😂#FRAvSCO | #FRAECO pic.twitter.com/0sS6Ujn7GI

— Darren (@SaffasRugby) August 12, 2023

New Zealand’s Ardie Savea is also expected to challenge. He was a member of New Zealand’s 2019 Rugby World Cup squad and was nominated for the 2019 World Rugby Player of the Year.

Rugby World Cup 2023 – Overall Winner Betting

The most popular market at UK betting sites for Rugby World Cup 2023 betting is predicting who will lift the Webb Ellis Trophy. Below you can see the latest odds.

Three-time winners, New Zealand, are the bookmaker’s favourite, pricing them at 5/2, just ahead of the host nation France (3/1). The Irish are third favourites at 9/2. England are sixth on the list, backing them could be profitable if they win, as they are 11/1. The other home nations are ranked as outsiders, with Wales priced at 33/1 and Scotland at 40/1.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup starts on Friday, September 8. The first game, France v New Zealand, begins at 8 PM and will be shown on ITV. You can stream the 2023 Rugby World Cup games via ITV X.

The History of the Rugby World Cup

The first World Cup took place in 1987, meaning Rugby’s most prestigious competition doesn’t have the same level of history as other sports, such as football. However, despite being a relatively new tournament, there has been plenty of drama and highlights in the 36 years it has existed.

In this section, I’ll summarise all the World Cups since the first one in 1987.

Rugby World Cup 1987 – New Zealand 29 – France 9

New Zealand faced off against France in the first-ever Rugby World Cup Final in a packed Eden Park stadium. Despite their impressive semi-final victory over Australia, France appeared lacklustre. New Zealand opted for a kicking strategy in the first half, with Grant Fox focusing on gaining territory and strategic positioning. A successful drop goal by Fox at the 14-minute mark eased the tension for the home team. Shortly after, star player Michael Jones scored a try, which Fox converted. By halftime, New Zealand held a 9-0 lead over France.

The first try scorer of the 1987 & 1991 Rugby World Cup, Sir Michael Jones 😍 #RWC2023 coming soon to #SkySportNZ 📺🏉 pic.twitter.com/yEmIr7ZTbL

— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) August 21, 2023

As the second half began, France showed renewed energy. A penalty kick by Didier Camberabero four minutes in finally got them on the scoreboard. However, their momentum was short-lived. New Zealand’s forwards dominated both in set pieces and open play. Additional tries by David Kirk and John Kirwan and Fox’s precise goal-kicking extended New Zealand’s lead to 29-3 as the match neared its end.

In the final moments, France scored a try through Pierre Berbizier, which Camberabero successfully converted. Despite this late effort, the match didn’t quite meet expectations, likely due to France’s exhausting semi-final. Nevertheless, it was fitting that standout players Jones, Kirk, and Kirwan were instrumental in securing New Zealand’s win and their first Webb Ellis Cup.

Rugby World Cup 1991 – Australia 12–6 England

In a match watched by 56,000 fans at Twickenham Stadium, Australia showcased a strong defence in the first half. Players Viliami Ofahengaue and Simon Poidevin were particularly effective in neutralising England’s offensive efforts. Australia took the lead at the 27-minute mark with a penalty kick by Michael Lynagh. Despite England’s control of the ball, the game’s only try came three minutes later. Tony Daly scored the try after Ofahengaue initiated a break from a line-out, followed by a drive from the Australian forwards. Lynagh successfully converted the try, giving Australia a 9-0 lead at halftime.

In the second half, England’s leadership trio—Will Carling, Rob Andrew, and Roger Uttley—urged the team to maintain their open, running style. However, this strategy failed to break the Australian defence. Some English forwards, including Jason Leonard, Brian Moore, and Peter Winterbottom, were visibly frustrated with the tactical choice. Leonard later wrote in his autobiography that Moore and Winterbottom repeatedly told Carling that the strategy needed to change, as England’s forwards were overpowering Australia’s.

Jonathan Webb scored a penalty kick for England an hour into the game, putting them on the scoreboard. Lynagh responded with another penalty for Australia at the 65-minute mark, making the score 12-3 in favour of Australia. Later, England had a scoring opportunity when Peter Winterbottom attempted a pass to winger Rory Underwood. However, David Campese of Australia knocked down the pass, which was perceived as a deliberate action to prevent an England try. The referee awarded a penalty but dismissed England’s appeals for a penalty try. Webb added another penalty for England, but they couldn’t score any more points, which meant Australia secured victory.

I'm old enough to remember England finishing 2nd in the world at the 1991 Rugby World Cup.

Those players were rightly hailed as heroes. Almost nobody complained – but back then, the world was far more benign, and we had no troll infested social media or internet.

— Shaun Lawson (@shaunjlawson) August 21, 2023

Rugby World Cup 1995 – South Africa 15–12 (a.e.t.) New Zealand

Although no tries were scored in this final, the match’s tension and dramatic conclusion remained undiminished, and this game is still talked about with affection 28 years later. Adopting a primarily defensive strategy, the South Africans, led by the prowess of flanker Ruben Kruger, No. 8 Mark Andrews, and scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen, consistently thwarted New Zealand’s ambitious offensive plays.

Andrew Mehrtens initiated the scoring, landing a penalty at the six-minute mark to grant New Zealand a 3-0 advantage. Joel Stransky’s penalty in the 11th minute allowed South Africa to enter the scoreboard. Both Mehrtens and Stransky exchanged successful penalties, and under mounting pressure, Stransky executed a drop goal in the 32nd minute, giving South Africa a 9-6 lead as they entered halftime.

The All Blacks equalised the score at 9-9 courtesy of a Mehrtens drop goal at the 55-minute point. Despite Mehrtens’s near-successful late drop goal attempt, the scoreline remained static at the end of regulation, compelling the match into its first-ever Rugby World Cup final extra time.

The commencement of extra time saw South Africa under pressure to seize the initiative, as per the rule stating that the team with a superior disciplinary record would win if the scores remained tied without any tries.

Early into the first half, the Springboks incurred a penalty for pursuing a Stransky kick from an offside stance. Mehrtens capitalised on this, accurately kicking a penalty from just beyond the midfield line to elevate New Zealand to a 12-9 lead. As the first half of extra time neared its end, Stransky launched a high kick, which led to a penalty against the All Blacks. Stransky converted this penalty, levelling the scores at 12-12. With a mere seven minutes remaining, Stransky delivered the final blow—a 30-metre drop goal that clinched South Africa’s triumph and their inaugural Rugby World Championship title.

Marc Ellis made history in the tournament. His six tries is a record that still stands today.

Rugby World Cup 1999 Australia 35–12 France

In a packed Millennium Stadium with 72,500 spectators, Australia faced France in the fourth Rugby World Cup Final, marking the second appearance in the final for both teams. Australia had shown strong defence throughout the tournament, while France boasted a talented attacking backline.

Despite the cold and wet conditions, France took an early 3-0 lead with a penalty kick from Christophe Lamaison just two minutes into the game. Matt Burke quickly evened the score for Australia with a successful kick at the four-minute mark. Australia’s forwards excelled in open play, and their strategy of consistently kicking for territory proved effective. Lamaison scored another penalty in the 12th minute, giving France a 6-3 lead.

However, an injury to Olivier Magne at the 20-minute mark disrupted France’s back row. Burke’s accurate kicking kept Australia in the game, and by halftime, they led 12-6, with all points coming from penalty kicks by the two goal kickers.

In the second half, Burke and Lamaison continued to trade penalties. An hour into the game, the score was 18-12 in favour of Australia, and France’s performance remained lacklustre. A 64th-minute penalty by Burke extended Australia’s lead, putting them theoretically out of reach. With 15 minutes left, Ben Tune scored the game’s first try, and Burke added the conversion points. The final play saw Australian substitute Owen Finegan score a try following a forward surge, with Burke inevitably converting. The referee, André Watson, ended the game, declaring Australia, the decisive winner with a 35-12 victory.

Although the match wasn’t considered a classic, Australia’s effective defence and exceptional goal-kicking paid off. They secured their second World Cup title, and captain John Eales received the Webb Ellis Cup from the now-deceased Queen Elizabeth.

Jonah Lomu had another decent tournament, his tries tally from 1995 and 1999 put him on 15. He shares the record with South African Bryan Habana, but his tally was from three tournaments (2007, 2011 and 2015).

Rugby World Cup 2003 England 20–17 (a.e.t.) Australia

Sparse clouds and intermittent rain showers graced Sydney on the morning of the game, eventually settling into a light mist, leaving the field slightly wet. The game kicked off in front of a record-breaking World Cup audience of 82,957 at 8:00 PM local time.

Jonny Wilkinson initiated the match by sending the ball into Australia’s right defensive zone, where Nathan Sharpe secured it. Within two minutes, Rogers tossed the ball to Tuqiri, who almost managed an overlap but went out of bounds. A sideline official observed Woodman’s right hand straying outside a maul, leading to a warning from referee Watson. Australia was granted a penalty on England’s 10-yard line but chose to have Rogers kick for touch, deeming the distance too great for a direct shot at the posts. Australia later won a free kick due to England’s line-out infringement but opted for a scrum. Gregan relayed the ball to Larkham, who launched a high kick from right to left. Tuqiri, towering over Robinson, caught the ball and sprinted a short distance to score the opening try. Flatley’s conversion attempt hit the post, keeping Australia’s lead at 5-0.

Robinson bypassed some Australian defenders, and Lyons was penalised for a tackle infringement, giving England a penalty kick. Wilkinson narrowed the gap to 5-3 with a 47-meter penalty kick. Australia was awarded another penalty shortly after, but both teams struggled with ball handling and received cautions from the referee.

At the 20-minute mark, England earned a penalty when Cohen was tackled without the ball by Larkham, who sustained a lip injury and was temporarily replaced by Giteau. Wilkinson’s penalty put England ahead 6-5. A few minutes later, Ben Kay intercepted a ball but was tackled before he could score. Wilkinson suffered a minor shoulder injury in a tackle on Giteau. England extended their lead with another Wilkinson penalty, making it 10-6. Australia had a chance to close the gap, but Flatley missed a penalty kick. Larkham returned to the field after receiving medical attention for his lip injury.

Flatley initiated the second half by kicking deep into England’s territory, and both teams began to make errors. Australia was awarded a penalty when Dallaglio was caught offside, and Flatley’s successful kick brought Australia within three points of England. Substitutions were made on both sides, and the rain intensified, leading to more errors.

In the 61st minute, Vickery was penalised for illegal ball-handling, giving Australia another penalty opportunity, which Flatley converted, narrowing England’s lead to three points. Both teams continued to make errors, and the score remained close until the end of regular time, when Flatley’s last-minute penalty tied the game at 14-14, forcing extra time.

The extra time began with England substituting and earning a penalty, which Wilkinson successfully converted, putting England back in the lead. Both teams made further substitutions and had opportunities to score, but Wilkinson’s drop goal in the final minute sealed England’s 20-17 victory, earning them their first Rugby World Cup title.

#OnThisDay in 2003 England beat Australia 20-17 to win the rugby World Cup for the first time in their history. pic.twitter.com/5YuuTrDlmy

— Spreadex Sports (@SpreadexSport) November 22, 2020

This victory for England remains the only time that England has won the World Cup. The England women’s team played at the same venue in the Women’s World Cup final recently in football, but were beaten 1-0 by Spain.

Rugby World Cup 2007 South Africa 15–6 England

The game started with Jonny Wilkinson’s kickoff for England, caught by South Africa’s Schalk Burger. Butch James sent it out, giving England the first line-out, which South Africa intercepted. Mathew Tait was penalised six minutes in, and Percy Montgomery scored a penalty, making it 3-0 for South Africa. England equalised at 3-3 with a Wilkinson penalty after a South African foul.

Both teams exchanged kicks until Lewis Moody tripped Butch James. Montgomery’s penalty put South Africa ahead 6-3. England’s drop-goal attempt failed. By the 21st minute, Phil Vickery was penalised, but Frans Steyn missed the long-range kick. Steyn later broke England’s defence, but no try was scored. A Montgomery penalty made it 9-3 at halftime.

The second half began with a South African kickoff caught by England’s Nick Easter. Mathew Tait’s break was stopped short of a try, and a Wilkinson penalty narrowed the score to 9-6. Steyn’s break led to another Montgomery penalty, extending the lead to 15-6. England had opportunities but couldn’t break through. Wilkinson missed a long-range drop goal.

England couldn’t penetrate South Africa’s defence in the final moments and was penalised. A late knock-on by England led to a South African scrum. The game ended with the ball kicked out, securing South Africa’s second World Cup title. Os du Randt became one of the few with two titles.

For England, it was a heartbreaking result, four years after becoming world champions, had they won, they would have been the first-ever team to defend their title.

Despite Jonny Wilkinson’s disappointment at not winning back-to-back titles, his performance at the World Cup helped his numbers. As you can see from the table above, the Englishman holds the record for most overall points scored at the World Cup finals.

Rugby World Cup 2011 New Zealand 8–7 France

In a contest marked by “stern physical struggle,” New Zealand was the first to put points on the board. Tony Woodcock seized the ball from a line-out within the French 22 and found a gap in France’s defence to notch his inaugural World Cup try. Piri Weepu, who had already botched a penalty, couldn’t convert. Weepu missed yet another kick at the 25-minute mark. Due to injuries to Dan Carter and Colin Slade, Aaron Cruden, New Zealand’s tertiary fly-half, suffered a hyper-extended knee nine minutes later and was subbed out for Stephen Donald.

The French defence was resolute throughout the first half, as New Zealand executed a strong running game. François Trinh-Duc failed a drop goal and was halted by Weepu on a run to the try-line.

The second half saw a French resurgence, albeit with a rocky start. Dimitri Yachvili fluffed France’s initial penalty kick two minutes in, while Stephen Donald extended New Zealand’s lead with a successful penalty shortly after. France responded immediately: Trinh-Duc sprinted toward the try-line, setting up Thierry Dusautoir for a try, which Trinh-Duc converted, making it 8-7. A 65th-minute penalty attempt by Trinh-Duc went astray, and opportunities were scarce for both teams after that. Dusautoir, lauded for his “valiant defensive play” by The Daily Telegraph’s Brendan Gallagher, earned man of the match honours.

A momentous event unfolded when Jean-Marc Doussain entered as a late French substitute, becoming the first player to make his debut in a Rugby World Cup Final; however, he wasn’t able to make it a triumphant one, and his side fell agonisingly short.

Rugby World Cup 2015 New Zealand 34–17 Australia

New Zealand dominated both possession and territory in the match’s early stages. Eight minutes in, Dan Carter notched the opening points, giving New Zealand a 3-0 lead. At the 15-minute mark, New Zealand’s fullback Ben Smith committed a knock-on, leading to a penalty against New Zealand when their front row collapsed. Bernard Foley equalised the score from the ensuing penalty.

Referee Nigel Owens penalised Australia’s Sekope Kepu for a high tackle on Carter, who then successfully converted a penalty, restoring New Zealand’s three-point advantage. Wallabies’ lock Kane Douglas injured his knee during the kickoff and was subbed out for Dean Mumm. In the 26th minute, Australia’s Matt Giteau was concussed tackling Brodie Retallick and was replaced by Kurtley Beale. A minute later, Carter widened New Zealand’s lead with another penalty. Just before halftime, winger Nehe Milner-Skudder scored the first try, which Carter converted, making it 16-3 for New Zealand.

Two minutes into the second half, substitute centre Sonny Bill Williams set up Ma’a Nonu for a try, extending the lead to 21-3. In the 52nd minute, Ben Smith received a sin-bin for tip-tackling Drew Mitchell. During his absence, Australia scored two tries—David Pocock from a maul and Tevita Kuridrani following a kick. Foley’s conversions narrowed the gap to four points with 16 minutes left. Carter’s 40-meter drop goal increased the lead to seven points with 10 minutes remaining. Shortly after, a long-range penalty by Carter made it 27-17. In a desperate attempt to catch up, Australia lost possession, allowing Ben Smith to kick ahead for Beauden Barrett to score the sealing try. Carter’s conversion finalised the score at 34-17.

"The biggest roar of the night from the crowd!"

When @namibia_rugby's Johan Deysel powered through the New Zealand defence in 2015!

The hard-running centre is back for more at #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/k43DMF5GSR

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 21, 2023

New Zealand made history with the win by becoming the first team to defend their Rugby World Cup title after eight tournaments. They also became the first to win the trophy three times, having previously won in 1987 and 2011, both on home soil. This marked the first time New Zealand claimed the title away from New Zealand, cementing their reputation as the best rugby nation.

Rugby World Cup 2019 South Africa 32–12 England

In a dramatic Rugby World Cup final, England entered as the favoured team but faced a series of setbacks that ultimately led to their defeat against South Africa, with a final score of 32-12. The game started on a sour note for England when Kyle Sinckler was forced to leave the field just three minutes in due to a collision with teammate Maro Itoje, leaving England with only one tighthead prop. South Africa also faced its share of injuries, with Bongi Mbonambi and Lood de Jager exiting the game at the 21-minute mark.

The first half was a battle of penalties, with South Africa taking a 12-6 lead. England had a golden opportunity to score a try but failed to capitalise even after 26 phases. The second half continued similarly, with both teams adding two more penalties to their tallies, making the score 18-12. However, the game’s momentum shifted when Makazole Mapimpi scored the first try in the 66th minute, becoming the first Springbok to do so in a World Cup final. His try, followed by a successful conversion, extended South Africa’s lead to 25-12. Cheslin Kolbe added another try eight minutes later, effectively sealing the game at 32-12.

England’s struggles in the scrum and numerous handling errors contributed to the loss. England couldn’t close the gap despite four penalties from captain Owen Farrell. On the other hand, South Africa’s Handre Pollard was nearly flawless, contributing 22 points to his team’s victory. England’s head coach, Eddie Jones, conceded that they were “dominated in the scrum” and that South Africa was “too good for us at the breakdown.”

The win was transformative for South Africa, led by captain Siya Kolisi and coach Rassie Erasmus. It marked their third Rugby World Cup championship, making them the only team with a 100% win rate in World Cup finals. Conversely, England suffered their third loss in a Rugby World Cup final, tying them with France for the most losses at this stage of the competition.

As you can see, there’s been plenty of great matches along the way. Who will make history this time around? Get ready for a spectacular tournament in France in September.