Latest Recap of 2023 Rugby Tournaments: Key Matches, Upsets, and Champions
Get Ready for the Rugby Extravaganza! As the excitement from the Six Nations fades, we dive into the July internationals to see where things stand for the World Cup contenders. The Northern Hemisphere teams have a decent idea of where they're at, while the Southern Hemisphere prepares to sharpen their spears before rugby's grandest event. Let's take a closer look at the 2023 Rugby Wrap so far.
The Six Nations Spectacle
Top Tier: Ireland, France, and England
Ireland, ruling supreme in this year's Six Nations, outdid themselves by clinching the 'grand slam' and beating France, making it an unforgettable season. France, as always, played their mercurial best, but Ireland's impressive performance earned them the top world ranking they deserve. England placed third, a respectable result with some room for improvement.
Johnny Sexton, with his cool head at the helm, has proven to be an experienced general who brings out the best in this talented Irish squad. France's loss to Ireland might seem like a mere setback for the impressive French team, especially with Antoine Dupont leading the charge. This phenomenal player can change a game in an instant and needs to be carefully managed to ensure peak form for the World Cup.
Middle Tier: Scotland, Wales, and Italy
The Scottish teams put forth a good fight, with a commendable win against England. Italy's vibrant brand of rugby is gaining attention worldwide, and it will only take a few more wins to boost their confidence ahead of a potential World Cup appearance. Wales struggled in the Six Nations but historically perform well in World Cups, so they'll have to rely on past successes to navigate their way forward.
Southern Shore
With June internationals absent due to the World Cup, it's time for the Northern Hemisphere teams to take on the Southern behemoths. South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia will aim to shake off any rust and get into top form as the season begins.
The Springboks, with injury concerns hanging over them, will have Jacques Nienaber working tirelessly to find the winning formula as they seek to retain their World Championship title. Eddie Jones, now head coach of Australia, faces a challenging task in turning things around quickly, as he's known for being a polarizing figure. New Zealand, under Scott Robinson's leadership (post-World Cup), is eager to prove themselves once again, with the World Cup a point of pride.
The Rugby Championship
Kicking off on July 8th and running through the 29th, the Rugby Championship represents the final opportunity for teams to refine their combinations and find their winning form. As with every World Cup year, this competition is reduced, with each team playing only once. Defending champions New Zealand will aim to take home the title once more, while contenders vie for momentum heading into the World Cup.
With four months until the World Cup, the race is on to see which teams will recover from any setbacks and find their best form. South Africa, as the reigning champions, have a few key players to worry about, which could impact their performance.
Where to Bet on Rugby
If you're looking to place some wagers on rugby, there are plenty of popular betting sites to choose from. Make sure to check out Rugby Promos as they become available closer to the World Cup. Supabets, Gbets, and bet.co.za are excellent options, offering generous bonuses to help you get started.
That wraps up our Rugby Wrap 2023! Buckle up, because we're in for an exhilarating ride leading up to the World Cup!
Remember to refer to our Rugby World Cup 2023 article for pool draws and keep an eye on our Rugby Promotions 2023 section for the latest offers.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show – it's gonna be wild!
Enrichment Data:The 2023 Rugby World Cup, though concluded, serves as a benchmark for current team performances and rankings during ongoing international competitions:
World Rugby Rankings (as of May 2025)
- South Africa – 92.78 points (reigning World Cup champions)
- New Zealand – 90.36
- Ireland – 89.83
- France – 89.51
- Argentina – 84.97
- England – 84.73
- Scotland – 82.36
2023 World Cup Context
- Champion: South Africa won the 2023 tournament, defeating New Zealand 12-11 in the final.
- Notable Performances:
- Ireland and France were eliminated in the quarterfinals despite strong group-stage showings.
- Argentina reached the semifinals, their best result since 2015.
College Rugby Rankings (unrelated to the World Cup but included in results):1. Lindenwood (14-2-0)2. Life (14-1-0)3. Navy (15-2-0)4. California (12-1-0)
Note: The Rugby League World Cup (a separate sport) isn't mentioned in the results, as its next edition isn't scheduled until 2026.
- Despite Ireland's impressive Six Nations performance, securing the 'grand slam' and beating France, there's still room for improvement in sports betting, particularly ahead of the World Cup.
- As June internationals approach, the Northern Hemisphere teams must show their readiness to take on the Southern Hemisphere powerhouses like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia, especially given their aim to retain or challenge for the World Cup title.
- England, though third in the Six Nations, might find sports betting opportunities in their upcoming games as they aim to close the gap with the reigning World Cup champions, South Africa, and other top-tier teams like Ireland and France.
- With the Rugby Championship commencing on July 8th, followers of sports-betting can closely watch the competition to assess teams' performance ahead of the World Cup's conclusion and potential title wins. South Africa as defending champions, and New Zealand, under new leadership, are among the teams to keep a close eye on in the Rugby Championship and the World Cup.
