The Rugby World Cup finally kicks off tomorrow as the hosts France take on the All Blacks at 5am.
Here’s what my crystal ball is saying and my team for World Rugby’s fantasy comp:
Predictions:
Pool Winners: FRA, IRE, AUS, ARG
Pool Runners up: NZ, RSA, FIJI, ENG
QF WINNERS: NZ, FRA, AUS, ARG
FINALISTS: FRA v NZ
WINNERS: NZ
Yeah I’ve tipped the All Blacks to win, but only because France and South Africa have already lost their first-choice 10s (Ntamack and Pollard).
It’s a key position as no team (bar NZ 2011) has won the final without their 10 playing great, and I think Richie Mo’unga will play out of his skin.
Add Sam Whitelock running a world-class lineout, minimal pressure on the team compared to the past, and I can see the ABs getting better and better as the tournament progresses. Even if they lose tomorrow in Paris.
Same with the Wallabies who will get to the semis and I expect will just get better as the tournament progresses.
But who knows!
Fantasy Team:
I’ve had to spread my budget out but splurged on Mo’unga.
Click the button below to create your team and join our league (it’s free).
But what do you think?
Who’s gonna play well? Who’s gonna go home early? And who’s gonna go all the way?
I can't help feeling duped with the 2023 RWC... I look forward to the RWC (like, I can't wait for the RWC to come around every 4 years) however I feel that the that the "4 year build up" & my personal excitement for the 2023 RWC has been significantly diluted, ..... through firstly, the changes to the coaching structure months out from the RWC, robbing Dave Rennie years of planning/developing his team & then secondly Eddie putting his "stamp" on the team with many changes & interesting selections!!
Don't get me wrong as always, I will be up for each game as always being the supreme optimist, supporting & cheering the Wallabies on. I really hope I am proven wrong & we deliver in the tournament, but the first challenge is getting over Georgia this weekend, then being in the top 2 of our Pool to go to the next stage...