As the days come closer to the Rugby World Cup in France this year, there is more and more chatter around the key players who will take center stage in this year's spectacle.
The pendulum had changed from four years ago when the Southern Hemisphere teams dominated the games with the uprising of Ireland and France to be the champions.
But on any given day, the All Blacks or the Web Ellis Trophy defending champions, the Springboks, are never to be taken lightly. This is why fans have flocked the Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets to grab whatever possible ticket, regardless of the teams.
While the official season for the Rugby Championship is yet to get underway, we have clear indications of the key players who would dominate from the Northern Hemisphere teams, thanks to the Six Nations.
Ireland's triumph was significant in understanding where we are heading in the upcoming world cup. From Johnny Sexton and Finlay Bealham of Ireland to Thibaud Flament and Antoine Dupont of France, the big names are already out in the open.
Ireland's magnificent run and Scotland's underdog story have sparked the demand for Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets involving these two teams. With the tournament in Europe, expect hoards of Irish and Scottish fans flocking the stadium in their respective jerseys.
In the meantime, here's a look at the top 5 players to look out for in the Rugby World Cup 2023.
Antonio Dupont (France)
The Toulouse scrum half, known as the ‘Haaland of Rugby,' has been the wonder kid to watch in the Six Nations. Known as a master tactician and probably the best scrum half we see on the international stage, Dupont has a flair to the game that no other Northern Hemisphere player consists of.
The 2021 Rugby World Cup player of the tournament has shown time and time again how valuable of an asset he is for the French side. Despite the results of the Six Nations not going their way with that single loss to France in the opening weeks, Dupont showed guile to bring a top-class performance with the French side, especially against Ireland, the solitary game they lost.
Dupont will be looking to bring France their first Rugby World Cup this year, with the side never winning a single time, despite coming close on several occasions.
Finlay Bealham (Ireland)
Ireland fans with Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets were in shock when Ireland lost their top-tier tight head prop Tadhg Furlong just before the game against Wales. Furlong has been pivotal in Ireland's success, but Bealham ensured the setback was not too much.
He was exceptional in the three games he started at the Six Nations.
Ireland has always boasted of an excellent front-row combo, and Bealham complimented this case with his short runs and groundwork at the breakdown. With Bealham coming to form, it only means good signs.
As mentioned in an interview, Bealham's lifelong goal was to be a professional rugby player.
Born in Canberra, Australia, Bealham tried his luck in the local leagues before heading to Ireland for trials. Since then, he got his cap for the Ireland Under 20s and has been part of the system ever since.
His inclusion comes when Ireland is looking for depth, and with his agility, he can double up as a running forward for the Rugby World Cup.
Johnny Sexton – Ireland
The name Sexton has been synonymous with Irish rugby, and the veteran is here for another go at the Rugby World Cup. At 37 years old, Sexton has aged like fine wine, and the Six Nations Championship came to Ireland's way; all credit to him.
He finished the England game on the leg, haggling through the injury to see his team through, but had to leave the field in the 73rd minute. However, the damage was already done.
Ireland's most capped player in the side with 113, Sexton is looking at taking Ireland to a final this time with their disastrous record at the Rugby World Cup. Ireland has been a part of the Rugby World Cup since its inception in 1987, but their best finish has been the quarterfinal stage.
This will be Sexton's last Web Ellis trophy, and fans have already locked in their Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets that involve Ireland since it might also be the last time we see the great in action.
Aaron Smith
If the All Blacks need to win this Rugby World Cup 2023, they need Aaron Smith to be their key player. One of the best half-backs in World Rugby, Smith has continuously proven what a threat he is with the ball. His tactful thinking and the agility to create opportunities have always stood as one of the biggest strengths for the All Blacks.
Currently leading the Highlanders in the Super Rugby season, the 34-year-old is ensuring that he has the right prep before the Rugby Championship later in the year and then, finally, the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks this year will have the most experienced side in the World Cup, and with 117 caps, being the most capped back-player in the side, Smith will have memories from the England semifinal game that they lost fresh in his mind and will be looking to do one better this time.
The All Blacks are probably the most popular rugby team worldwide, and everyone wants to glimpse the Haka and Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets for All Blacks games are already in finite numbers.
Lukhanyo Am
The Springboks mean serious business, and the big center is set for a massive 2023 after regaining his complete fitness levels. Jessie Kriel did a fantastic job in 2022, but the likes of Am in defense will be crucial for their title defense.
In 2019, he was exceptional. He brought in the fireworks in the final setting up Makazole Mapimpi's try while halting any potential English momentum.
Am with Damian de Allende form the perfect midfield, something that most top-tier nations do not possess right now.
The Rugby Championship will be the first tester for Lukhanyo in international colors after the break, and if the Springboks want to win the title back to back, repeating what Richie McCaw and the All Blacks did in 2011 and 2015, then Am needs to be in the best form as possible.
Too early to predict?
As we count down to the Rugby World Cup 2023, it is still early to bring in the hot favorites since most tournaments are yet to occur in the Southern Hemisphere. In the case of match tickets, this is not the case where early bird tickets are already few or hard to source.
Official sources will release a new set of Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets, but fans can now tune in to reseller platforms to quickly get their tickets for the Rugby World Cup.
Instead of waiting and picking their options randomly, trusted platforms provide a wide variety of options for fans to purchase Rugby World Cup 2023 tickets without too much hassle.
