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‘The stage is set’: Sir Bill Beaumont looks ahead to ‘unpredictable’ World Cup

Antoine Dupont of France salutes the supporters following the 2023 Summer International rugby match between France and Australia at Stade de France on August 27, 2023 in Saint-Denis near Paris, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont insists the “stage is set” for an “unpredictable” World Cup in France with about 600,000 fans set to travel from abroad to experience the event.

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South Africa are the defending champions, but a lot has happened in the four years since their win over Eddie Jones’ England in a famous World Cup final in Yokohama.

International rugby has never been so competitive, and that stark reality spells worry, excitement and belief from fans around the world. Every win, loss and draw has been leading to this moment.

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The 10th men’s Rugby World Cup is shaping up as a gladiatorial battle between hundreds of rugby warriors vying for their spot in folklore and history.

Rugby immortality is just over 50 days away for one of these 20 teams. The road to Webb Ellis Cup glory starts on Friday with an international blockbuster between tournament hosts France and traditional rivals New Zealand.

The World Cup will be spread across nine venues in France, with the tournament starting and finishing at the world-renowned venue Stade de France in Paris

Rugby World Cup 2023 is here. As Sir Bill Beaumont reflected, “Now it’s down to the teams to perform.”

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“It was 200 years ago that our sport was born. There could be no better place to celebrate our birthday than here in France,” Beaumont said at the Tournament Opening Conference on Monday.

“We know this nation will be a magnificent host, not just here in Paris but the length and breadth of a nation that loves major events and loves rugby.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins
3
Draws
0
Wins
2
Average Points scored
25
28
First try wins
40%
Home team wins
100%

“We believe the Rugby World Cup 2023 will be rugby’s ultimate celebration of togetherness. We’ve received incredible support from the highest office to the smallest villages; never has a nation been so ready and so excited to host.

“We have a record number of international fans. Some 600,000 fans will be coming to experience the best of rugby and the best of France.

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“We’ve seen incredible welcomes for the teams including 12,000 greeting Ireland in Tours.

“The stage is set, now it’s down to the teams to perform, and I think it’s fair to say that the action will be compelling, spectacular and unpredictable.

“It will be an event of firsts.

“We welcome Chile for the first time, the first we’ve welcomed three South American (nations) and Portugal making its first appearance since they last played here in France in 2007.

“We also believe that the Rugby World Cup to be built more than an exceptional event. We should protect our values, make an impactful value to society, and inspire new players and fans.

“I’d like to congratulate our friends at the organising committee, the FFR and government for their leading and impactful initiatives.

“I’m delighted to confirm the launch of our We Are Rugby promotion, showing the sports collective commitment as an inclusive, respectful tournament.”

There’s plenty of expectation and pressure hanging over the likes of Ireland, France, New Zealand and South Africa going into this World Cup, but every team will have their own pass mark and goal.

Related

For some teams, including those just mentioned, World Cup glory is a non-negotiable – but for others, they may set their sights on finishing in the top three.

As the World Rugby chairman confirmed, the top three teams in each pool will automatically qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

“We are also committed to continuing to work with our unions… to deliver a global calendar and a competitive structure,” Beaumont added.

“The stage is set. The teams are ready, France is ready. Let’s get this wonderful Rugby World Cup started.”

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Comments

3 Comments
J
Jmann 542 days ago

Whatever happens lets get rid of that old dinosaur and his criminal sidekick when this thing is over.

M
Michael 542 days ago

3 Years of Pandemic stalled Rugby in essence. So, it's great to be on the verge of another World Cup, just about to begin. One I think has more contenders than ever before. And that's the key to future successful World cups. Improving the level of developing and more established Rugby nations, in order for them to also challenge for the World Cup.
Take note Bill, better post World Cup competitions.

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J
JW 1 hour ago
Where is the new breed of All Black 10?

LOL angry at what? You trying to put words into peoples mouths with your wild theories? No I’m well used to that by now mate.

ou should stop making silly comments like ‘a very small set of examples’ if you don’t want ppl to call you out and start taking you seriously!

I have no idea what you’re talking about.

FYI he’s started at 10 53 times since 2020/21 in all comps.

Yes, as I’ve said. 38 of those times were (SR) after Mo’unga left for Japan, and possibly even the 8 times for Waikato (even though on a ‘sabbatical’ he was still made to play NPC after returning from Japan for some reason) were because NZR told him he had to switch because Richie was leaving.


I can’t really make sense of what you’re trying to argue but all I can think I said was;

He’s only got a very small set of examples so understandable people don’t immediately adjust to him as the best in the world

I’m referring to international fans, who are only really going to watch the All Blacks, so yes, it’s them trying to compare his games last year to what they imagine he played like as a fullback for so long. Outside that, he’s played say now 45 odd times since he made the switch, and only 30 odd (thanks to a full SR season there) of the past 150 before that, you’re idea that it makes him a first five and therefor not still learning, is “entirely false”


If you want people to start taking you seriously Nick you really need to up your debating game! No seriously though I know I like to avoid explaining things for dummies but you very rarely have the right take on any of my theories, you’ve just got you’re own angle that takes over, so don’t expect to be able to debate much (as it will be by yourself basically lol). I suspect it’s something to do with needing to keep a lot of things in your mind for your articles that it’s probably impossible for you to just listen and not introduce outside noise, so no biggie.

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J
Jacob Brown 1 hour ago
Crusaders prepare for 'dangerous in all elements' Chiefs game-breaker

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