RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023

POOL D

England

England’s rugby history in the Rugby World Cup is a tale of triumphs and challenges. In 2003, they achieved a historic victory, becoming the first and only northern hemisphere team to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. However, they have also faced heartbreak in three other finals, in 1991, 2007, and 2019. They have participated in 50 matches, winning 36, with no draws and 14 losses. Their impressive performance translates to a win percentage of 72 percent. Over the years, England has scored 1,569 points while conceding 783. Jason Leonard holds the record for the most Rugby World Cup appearances for England, with 22 matches played between 1991 and 2003.

England’s best finish came in 2003 when they were crowned champions. Their most recent qualification for the tournament was as losing finalists in 2019.

Undoubtedly, the most celebrated moment in English rugby history is Jonny Wilkinson’s match-winning, extra-time drop goal in the 2003 Rugby World Cup final against Australia. Jonny Wilkinson’s Rugby World Cup legacy extends to record-breaking statistics. He kicked an astonishing 14 drop goals in Rugby World Cups, more than twice as many as his nearest rival, Springbok Jannie de Beer. Additionally, Wilkinson remains the highest points scorer in Rugby World Cup history, amassing 277 points across his four tournaments. England’s Rugby World Cup journey is marked by moments of glory and disappointment. Their historic 2003 victory remains a crowning achievement, while Jonny Wilkinson’s records and Martin Johnson’s leadership serve as enduring symbols of their excellence on the world stage. As England continues to compete in future Rugby World Cups, their story in this prestigious tournament will undoubtedly evolve with new chapters of success and challenges.

JAPAN

For years, Japan remained a quiet presence on the Rugby World Cup stage, often overshadowed by more established teams. Japan’s Rugby World Cup journey began with a match against the USA at Ballymore, Brisbane. However, it wasn’t until nearly three decades later that they would achieve their first taste of victory in the tournament. With a daunting record of 145–17 loss in the books, Japan pulled off the unthinkable in 2015 by defeating South Africa, marking the biggest upset in Rugby World Cup history..

Japan’s success story continued when they hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2019. For the first time in their history, they advanced to the quarter-finals. Undoubtedly, the “Miracle of Brighton” in 2015 stands out as the pinnacle of Japan’s Rugby World Cup history. Defying all expectations, they secured a historic victory over South Africa. While Japan has had its moments of glory, they have also faced significant challenges. In 1995, they conceded a record 145 points to the All Blacks, a low point in their Rugby World Cup history. Michael Leitch, affectionately known as Japan’s “Captain Fantastic,” has been a central figure in Japan’s rugby resurgence. He led the team a record-equalling seven times at the Rugby World Cup, boasting an impressive win ratio of 71 percent during his tenure.

In 2015, Japan achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first team to win three matches in the pool stages of a Rugby World Cup and still fail to qualify for the knockout stages. However, they made history as hosts in 2019 by topping Pool A with victories against Russia, Samoa, Ireland, and Scotland, solidifying their place as a rising force in the rugby world.In summary, Japan’s journey in the Rugby World Cup has been characterized by historic upsets, exciting play, and the emergence of iconic players. As they look ahead to future tournaments, they remain a team to watch and a formidable opponent for any rugby nation.

SAMOA

Samoa’s rugby journey on the grand stage of the Rugby World Cup has been a captivating tale of determination, iconic moments, and legendary players. Samoa’s Rugby World Cup story began on October 6, 1991, when they faced Wales at Cardiff Arms Park With players like Apollo Perelini, Frank Bunce, Brian Lima, and Pat Lam, Samoa’s potential was evident. To’o Vaega’s try and Sila Vaifale’s effort secured a historic 16–13 victory over Wales, proving that Samoa was a team to reckon with. Since their debut, Samoa has participated in 36 Rugby World Cup matches, winning 14, with a win percentage of 39%. Brian Lima holds the record for the most appearances (18) and tries (10) in the tournament for Samoa. Their best finish came in 1991 and 1995 when they reached the quarter-finals, showcasing their prowess on the world stage.

Undoubtedly, Samoa’s most memorable match was their historic victory over Wales in 1991. To’o Vaega’s try, in particular, stands out as a defining moment in that match and in Samoan rugby history. Samoa’s Rugby World Cup journey has seen its share of lows, and one of the most disappointing moments came in 2019 when they were defeated 34–0 by Scotland. It was the first time Samoa failed to score in the tournament, and Ed Fidow’s dismissal added to their woes.Brian Lima’s record-breaking achievement came in the 2003 Rugby World Cup, where he set the record for consecutive tournament appearances with 16, a testament to his longevity and dedication to the sport.

ARGENTINA

Argentina, known as Los Pumas, has been a consistent presence in the Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987. Argentina made their Rugby World Cup debut on May 24, 1987, facing Fiji at Rugby Park in Hamilton. As of their last qualification in 2019, Argentina has played in 41 Rugby World Cup matches. They have won 21 matches, lost 20, and never settled for a draw. Over these appearances, they have scored 1,098 points while conceding 839, resulting in a win ratio of 51 percent. Argentina’s crowning achievement in the Rugby World Cup came in 2007 when they secured a third-place finish. This remarkable feat was achieved by beating the tournament hosts, France, not once but twice.

For the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Argentina secured their spot by finishing third in Pool C during the 2019 tournament.

One of the most unforgettable moments in Argentina’s Rugby World Cup history was when they spoiled France’s opening night party in 2007 with a 17–12 victory. A memorable off-field moment for Argentina came during the 2015 Rugby World Cup when legendary footballer Diego Maradona danced with the team in the changing room after their victory over Tonga, which propelled them to the semi-finals. Agustín Pichot is hailed as an iconic figure in Argentina’s Rugby World Cup history. Argentina’s early Rugby World Cup history was challenging, as they won only one of their first 10 matches, a 25–16 victory over Italy in 1987. However, their fortunes turned around in 1999 when they defeated Samoa 32–16, finally breaking their winless streak and signaling their emergence as a rugby force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

CHILE

While Chile’s squad may be newcomers to the Rugby World Cup, their head coach, Pablo Lemoine, is no stranger to the tournament. Lemoine, a former Uruguayan rugby player, has a rich history with the Rugby World Cup. Chile’s Journey to Rugby World Cup 2023 Chile, as Americas 2, will compete in Pool D at Rugby World Cup 2023 alongside England, Argentina, Japan, and Samoa. Their journey to this point has been marked by ups and downs in the qualification process.

The Road to RWC 2023 Chile’s path to Rugby World Cup 2023 included a series of challenging matches: They started with a canceled match against Colombia due to COVID-19. In a round-robin competition with Brazil and Uruguay, Chile secured a vital win against Brazil. Despite a strong start against Uruguay, they narrowly lost. Chile advanced to face Canada in the Americas 1 play-off.

In a two-legged encounter against the USA, Chile emerged victorious, earning their place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. As they prepare to face some of the world’s rugby giants, the rugby world will be watching to see what surprises Chile has in store at Rugby World Cup 2023.

As the Rugby World Cup 2023 approaches, France eagerly awaits the arrival of rugby fans from around the globe. With a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and a passion for the sport, this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience France is all set to deliver a world-class event that will leave a lasting legacy in the history of rugby and we are more than happy to bring you the experience of the games live — come to Ticombo, take a look at our website, and browse through the matches you don’t want to miss. France is calling!

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References

https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/french-foreign-policy/sports-diplomacy/rugby-world-cup-france2023/article/france-named-host-nation-for-the-2023-rugby-world-cup https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/sep/06/rugby-world-cup-2023-entirely-unpredictable https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/uk/rugby-world-cup-2023-schedule-startdate-groups-host-draw-teams-qualified-live-streaming-details/articleshow/101493832.cms?from=mdr https://www.telegraph.co.uk/rugby-union/2023/08/01/rugby-world-cup-2023-when-where-watch-tvlatest-odds/ https://www.rugbyworldcup.com/2023/