Rugby World Cup 2023: Which Northern hemisphere team will go all the way?

A year from now we’ll know the identity of the two teams that will do battle in the Rugby World Cup final.

Since the inaugural showpiece in 1987, at least one Southern hemisphere representative has competed for Rugby’s biggest prize. And only once (England in 2003) has the winner not come from one of New Zealand, South Africa or Australia.

To say a Northern hemisphere team is due a win would be an understatement. But which of France, Ireland, England or Wales are best placed to break the recent dominance of the Southern hemisphere countries?

France

It’s no surprise to see the host nation near the top of the betting odds. But in the case of Les Bleus, their favorites tag is fully justified.

Having swept aside the competition to complete the Grand Slam and win the 2022 Six Nations – their first title since 2010 – there’s a sense that this is France’s time.

The classy double act of Antoine Dupont and Romain Ntamack, arguably the best 9 and 10 pairing in world rugby at present, are representative of the talent oozing through this French side.

There is however a feeling of always the bridesmaid, never the bride about France who have fallen short in the final no less than three times – 1987, 1999 and 2011. Is it meant to be on home soil in 2023?

Ireland

Following that impressive – and deserved – series victory over New Zealand in the summer, Andy Farrell’s side replaced France at the top of the official World Rugby rankings to become the number-one team on the planet.

While the close nature of the world rankings may see this change before the finals get underway, Ireland head into 2023 with plenty of momentum.

That same positivity is felt back in the Republic too with the top betting sites in Ireland pricing Farrell’s side among the leading contenders to win the tournament.

If they are to lift the Webb Ellis trophy for the first time though, it’ll be done the hard way. Having been drawn in the first half of the draw, a potential meeting with either France or New Zealand awaits in the quarter-finals, a stage Ireland have yet to make it past after nine attempts.

England

The series defeat of Australia in the summer was a sure sign Eddie Jones has his side heading in the right direction, even if the Red Rose are in a period of transition.

Jones is in the midst of introducing a host of young players while having to contend with persistent injury and captaincy issues.

However, the morale-boosting win over the Wallabies came at a welcome time for the 2003 winners following a disappointing Six Nations campaign and an embarrassing defeat by the Barbarians prior to that.

Many experts remain unconvinced of England’s credentials given the youthful nature of the squad and the number of injuries preventing consistency in player selection.

But, Jones, who will step down as England’s head coach after the World Cup, is a man for proving the doubters wrong. Going one better than 2019 would be surprising but not a complete shock, it’s fair to say.

Wales

Despite going down to a series defeat in South Africa, Wales created history during the summer by beating the Springboks in SA for the very first time.

The victory served as a timely reminder that, on their day, Wales are capable of beating the world’s best.

Giving a good account of themselves in France will, in part, depend on if Wayne Pivac has the luxury of fielding his best players at the same time. Injuries to key personnel continue to disrupt any momentum the team gathers right now.

However, should this go for them, Wales could go far. Their side of the draw is much favourable than Ireland’s for instance. Of their potential quarter-final opponents, only England are ranked above them.

Final word

As was proven during the northern vs southern match-ups this summer, the gap between rugby’s top nations is closing all the time.

New Zealand and Australia aren’t the powerhouses they once were, while France and Ireland are showing quality and consistency in performance and results that bring rewards and recognition.

Will we see the World Cup won by a northern hemisphere team first the first time since 2003? There’s never been a better chance.