Rugby World Cup 2023 is rapidly approaching, with just over two weeks until the opening game. Rugby.com.au looks at every team's chances in France, starting with New Zealand.
The All Blacks enter this tournament as the form team of World Rugby and have a significant chance of becoming the first four-time champions.
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There's a real ‘Last Dance’ atmosphere around this team, with coach Ian Foster already confirmed to depart at the end of the tournament.
Couple this with a host of talent heading overseas and it does feel like this could be a changing of the guard for the Kiwis.
It adds further emphasis to ending this event on a high, needing to be at their best from the opening game when they face fellow title contenders France.
Finished first in their 2019 RWC Pool
The All Blacks’ form revival in 2023 has been a joy to watch for New Zealand fans.
An indifferent finish to 2022 and a draw to England was enough for NZR to act, bringing in Scott Robertson for after the World Cup.
With nothing to lose, Ian Foster has been on a mission to get the best out of this All Blacks side, starting with a great win over Argentina before dominating the Springboks in Auckland.
They then wrapped up the Bledisloe Cup for another year with two wins over the Wallabies, with their preparations to conclude with a second match against South Africa at Twickenham.
All Blacks selectors Ian Foster, Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt have named the All Blacks squad for Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
The All Blacks will be captained by Sam Cane. Lock Samuel Whitelock will be going to his fourth tournament. Six players will be going to their third tournament, nine players will be going to their second Tournament, while 17 are going to their first.
With a combined 1493 Test caps, this is the All Blacks’ most experienced Rugby World Cup squad in history.
Forwards: Dane Coles, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Nepo Laulala, Fletcher Newell, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tupou Vaa'i, Sam Whitelock, Sam Cane (c), Shannon Frizell, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea
Backs: Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Will Jordan, Emoni Narawa, Mark Telea
Richie Mo’unga remains one of - if not the - best playmakers in the world.
His influence in closing out the All Blacks’ win over the Wallabies in Dunedin was clear to see instantly when he came onto the field.
He has built a real connection with Barrett squared and Will Jordan to such an extent it’s almost telepathic.
If the All Blacks are going to go far, it’ll be the departing Crusaders
Mark Telea finished the Super Rugby season as one of the best players in the competition and will be primed to do the same at the International level.
The 2023 tournament gives him the perfect opportunity to further his development and make his case as one of the best wingers in the world.
Telea finished the year with an incredible 12 tries from 13 games for the Blues, continuing his golden run with a great solo try against the Wallabies in Melbourne.
Played: 56
Wins: 49
Loses: 7
Draw/Cancelled Games: 1 (the 2019 match with Italy was cancelled due to a Typhoon, awarded as a 0-0 Draw)
Best Finish: Winners (1987, 2011, 2015)
2019: Third
2015: Winners
2011: Winners
2007: Quarter Final
2003: Third
This one basically writes itself
This fixture could be the first and last game of the 2023 World Cup given how well both teams are going.
The way the pools work, regardless of the result they will face a tough quarter-final, likely against South Africa or Ireland.
However, an early win in the tournament will instantly rocket them to favourite status for a fourth title.
Sat Sep 9 (5:00 AM): France v New Zealand, Stade de France, Paris
Sat Sep 16 (5:00 AM): New Zealand v Namibia, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse
Sat Sep 30 (5:00 AM): New Zealand v Italy, OL Stadium, Lyon
Fri Oct 6 (6:00 AM): New Zealand v Uruguay, OL Stadium, Lyon
