Rugby World Cup Week 1 preview: latest team lists, predictions

Rugby

The countdown is over, the 2023 Rugby World Cup has finally arrived with hosts France to launch the tournament with one of the biggest and most anticipated opening matches against the All Blacks in Paris.

The blockbuster opening weekend continues with Australia, Italy and Ireland all taking to the pitch for their opening matches, while three headline clashes will also take place, with England facing Argentina, Scotland taking on South Africa, and Wales against Fiji to close out the weekend. Read ahead for team lists and previews.

RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023: Squads | Schedule | Podcast

Jump ahead to a particular game.

France vs. New Zealand

Italy vs. Namibia

Ireland vs. Romania

Australia vs. Georgia

England vs. Argentina

Japan vs. Chile

South Africa vs. Scotland

Wales vs. Fiji

Friday, September 8

France vs. New Zealand, Stade de France, Paris (9:15p.m. local / 5:15am AEST / 8:15pm GMT)

France: Thomas Ramos, Damian Penaud, Gael Fickou, Yoram Moefana, Gabin Villiere, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont, Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Francois Cros, Thibaud Flament, Cameron Woki, Uini Atonio, Julien Marchand, Reda Wardi.

Replacements: Peato Mauvaka, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Romain Taofifenua, Paul Boudehent, Maxime Lucu, Arthur Vincent, Melvyn Jaminet.

New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (captain), Dalton Papali’i, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Fletcher Newell, Tupou Vaa’i, Luke Jacobson, Finlay Christie, David Havili, Leicester Fainga’anuku

Verdict:

Tip:

Saturday, September 9

Italy vs. Namibia, Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne (1p.m. local / 9p.m. AEST / 12p.m. GMT)

Italy:

Namibia:

Verdict:

Tip:

Ireland vs. Romania, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux (3:30p.m. local/ 9:30p.m. AEST / 2:30p.m. GMT)

Ireland:

Romania:

Verdict:

Tip:

POOL A PREVIEW | POOL B PREVIEW | POOL C PREVIEW | POOL D PREVIEW

Australia vs. Georgia, Stade de France, Paris (6p.m. local / 2a.m. AEST / 5p.m. GMT)

Australia:

Georgia:

Verdict:

Tip:

England vs. Argentina, Stade de Marseille, Marseille (9p.m. local / 5a.m. AEST, 8p.m. GMT)

England:

Argentina:

Verdict:

Tip:

Sunday, September 10

Japan vs. Chile, Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse (1p.m. local / 9p.m. AEST / 12p.m. GMT)

Japan:

Chile:

Verdict:

Tip:

South Africa vs. Scotland, Stade de Marseille, Marseille (5:45p.m. local / 1:45a.m. / 4:45p.m. GMT)

South Africa:

Scotland:

Verdict:

Tip:

Wales vs. Fiji, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux (9p.m. local / 5a.m. AEST / 8p.m. GMT)

Wales:

Fiji:

Verdict:

Tip:

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