One of the great things about the 2023 Rugby World Cup is an apparent baby step toward parity in the international game. In World Cups past, the top two ranked teams selected for each pool could be counted on to advance to the knockout stage.
For the most part, the only real question answered by pool play was the top two’s order of finish, the pool winner and runner up. Even Rafters’ own Pool predictions reflect this notion.
In 2015 when Japan briefly wobbled rugby’s international orbit by defeating South Africa in their pool match, no one thought such a thing was possible. Unfortunately in 2015, Japan earned the dubious distinction of being the only team to win three World Cup Pool matches and still not advance to a quarterfinal.
This year fans and commentators prediction of second tier wins over giants is more possibility than just media sensationalist wishful thinking. The Fijians knocked off the Australians last week, and Uruguay played France much closer than anyone expected.
Some are saying the Uruguayans have a real shot at defeating Italy on Wednesday’s round three opener, and Rafters can’t help but wonder if the giants of rugby are weakening or the minnows are growing. Probably a little of both.
There’s been much talk about Saturday’s huge Pool B match between Ireland and South Africa. That is surely the game to watch this week, but don’t underestimate the “lesser” teams in pool play. The number three and four seeds might surprise you along with some of the giants.
On to this weeks poll and predictions.
Rafters’ Week three World Cup Predictor Game Picks
Pool A Round Two match predictions.
Italy by five over Uruguay.
France over Namibia by sixty-four
New Zealand - Bye.
Pool B Round Two match predictions.
Ireland over South Africa by three.
Scotland over Tonga by ten.
Romania - Bye.
Pool C Round Two match predictions.
Georgia by twenty over Portugal.
Australia over Wales by three.
Fiji - Bye.
Pool D Round Two match predictions.
Argentina by eight over Samoa.
England over Chile by thirty-four.
Georgia - Bye.