Everything you need to know about the 2023 Rugby World Cup

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As the World Cup in France commences, get ready for rugby action. Only four years since the previous one, teams are vying for the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup once more.

Thinking of rugby, do you imagine muscular players in tight shorts? You might be thinking of rugby league with 13 players a side. However, rugby union is a sophisticated blend of skill, power, strategy, and yes, 15 players a side with plenty of muscular collisions.

Where’s the action? The games begin in Paris with France taking on New Zealand. Other matches will be hosted in cities including Bordeaux, Marseille, Toulouse, and the final, after seven gripping weeks, will return to Stade de France on 28th October.

Who’s William Webb Ellis? According to lore, he’s the lad who, in 1823, began the game of rugby by running with a football in his hands. The story might not be completely factual, but fans and the sport’s administration embrace it regardless.

Rugby essentials? Players can kick or carry the ball forward but only pass backward. Touching the ball down past the opponent’s try-line gives five points, a conversion post-try provides two, while penalties and drop goals earn three.

personalized rugby world cup 2023 springboks south africa rugby home 3d polo 3 dFEdN.jpg
personalized rugby world cup 2023 springboks south africa rugby home 3d polo 3 dFEdN.jpg

Who might clinch the title? The competition is fierce. New Zealand, past champions from 1987, 2011, and 2015, is a strong contender, as are South Africa, winners in 1995, 2007, and 2019. Australia, champions in 1991 and 1999, aren’t top favorites this year, and England, 2003 champions, stand as the sole northern hemisphere victor. History hints towards South Africa or New Zealand, but teams like France and Ireland also show promise.

Confused about scrums? In rugby, a scrum is a strategic formation involving 16 players. Its success decides the maneuverability for other players. It’s intricate, often prompting referee interventions even experts might not get. If baffled, just casually mention “dark arts” and take a drink.

What about video refereeing? Rugby uses the TMO (television match official), which, though sometimes contentious, offers viewers a more transparent view than football’s VAR. For this World Cup, there’s a time limit for kickers and an upgraded review system for fouls.

Why are rugby players so big? Pre-1995, rugby was amateur; the game had larger forwards and smaller, speedier backs. Post-1995, professionalization, combined with enhanced fitness routines, nutrition, and sports science, transformed players into colossal athletes. While rugby has transitioned from evasion to collision, players like Italy’s Ange Capuozzo remind us of the sport’s swift heritage.

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