As a kiwi I use to hate both these guys because they were such devastating players but just listening to them now I just want to have a beer with both of them.
Think it will be ireland. They’ve almost mirrored England’s run into the final 2003. Beaten every SH side during the 18 month run up, beat NZ in NZ, grand slam just before .. carbon copy almost of England 2002-2003. Can see them doing it, finally.
I think purely by the fact that NZ, SA, Ireland and France all stand an equal chance of knocking each other out early makes it impossible to decide on a winner until we have at least seen a couple group games.
@@business3867 I agree. Although Ireland beat France, New Zealand and South Africa. The results were very close. Toss of a coin type stuff. Knockout rugby is also interesting. In someways their is extra pressure going in as the favourites. The draw on that side is so tough that I honestly can’t pick it. One thing I’m almost certain of is that things won’t go to plan for all 4. I would be surprised to see a team that drops a game in the pool game go on to win the next knockout game. It’s a situation where it is maybe better to be the underdog.
I'm Kashmiri born British and I enjoy the Rugby World Cup. Infinity times better than Cricket World Cup. Cricket World Cup will clash with RWC this year. RWC will always beat the CWC tournament!
I respect both of them a lot (as much as a South African can respect an Aussie), but they got that last pool horribly wrong. No matter how average England have been in recent months, they're topping that pool for sure. Japan and Argentina will battle it out for second, and I reckon the Argies just have too much muscle for the Japanese. But I do agree that Aus are a dark horse for this tournament. And I believe the winner will be one of NZ, SA or Aus.
Put a fiver on Fiji to win their Pool a year ago at 1000/1. Just need Australia to intentionally lose to Fiji if England beat Argentina (don’t think they will)
@@Mad_Intellect They sure do & England still hate us for dumping them out of their home world cup so they always play well against us. They both know, especially the English that they can beat us.
@@Mad_Intellect Australia have way more talent then England or Argentina, they just been playing seemingly without structure. If Eddie can get them stick to a playstyle, they will go to final. They do have ll the pieces, just not clicking.
England beat Australia in Australia last year. Was that all down to Eddie Jones? Argentina have Cheika and are a settled team. England and Australia are in flux with new management setups. I'll be astonished if Argentina don't make it to a semi-final. I seriously think that England, Australia and Wales should have stuck with Jones, Rennie and Pivac until after the World Cup.
It all seems absurd until you realize, that they have a gimme of a group, and the first time they can meet a top team is in the finals, with underwhelming England being their toughest opponent until the potential finals. Add to that the fact, that all the eventual other finalist would have had to deal with all the other top 4 teams by then and will be pretty battered. On top of all this, there’s the Eddie Jones factor: think whatever you want of the man, but he always delivers come RWC time, and he’s most successful early on with teams. Can Australia win it all? That might be a bit of a tall order, but the Wallabies making the finals is a pretty realistic scenario.
@@JTM1809a soft draw is not as good as you think. They have the best odds to make the finals, but they could easily get smacked in the mouth early against a quality side. It won’t be a good look if the wallabies first test comes later in their draw. When it really counts.
@@JTM1809 Yeah but still have to beat whoever in the semis even if they win the quarters. Then they have to win finals. Based on what, losing and Eddie. Makes no sense. Can they win, maybe, can 4 to other 5 teams win, yes. Australia are probably my 6th favourite if that. They are probably behind Scotland for me. France, Ireland, NZ and Boks, two are out. But its highly likely the 2 quarter final winners here, can both make the final and win. Australia needs to get to quarters and then win. I wouldn't get that far ahead from that.
As a NZer, it’s a healthy habit, one learns early, to never…. fuggin ever…. disregard the ability of Aussies to turn up with something completely unexpected and jaw droppingly brilliant, from nowhere. The only Kiwis you’ll see not taking Aus very seriously, are our hyper-tards.
As a South African, I still think Argentina has a very good chance. I remember the Pumas beat Australia 48-17 and the All Blacks 25-18 in the Rugby Championship last year, that was nuts. I also think Ireland is in their prime at the moment.
Absolutely deluded opinion on display. First of all everyone writing off England are just dumb. They’re still the best team in that group by some way and most their players are still fro, the same team that got to the final, they just have to turn up as a team and improve their tactics and performance in the couple of months they have before the tournament. There is no way Japan top that group and they won’t get out of it, they’ve not got home support this time. The Aussies will get out that group but then it’s 50/50 from there against England or Argentina. Wales should just about have enough to do it but Fiji and Georgia both have the potential to upset. People saying that’s an easy pool, no that’s the hardest pool of 5. Obviously pool B is harder to get out with that top 3 but pool C is the hardest including all 5 teams because Fiji and Georgia are also very good and Portugal have a great attack, their style of play will surprise lots of fans and teams. Scotland have no chance getting out. Ireland should be top but no guarantee. Italy will push one of nz or France close but should still be France and nz to go through, probably France with that home advantage and current form, and that first game will be one hell of a spectacle, probably the best opening game of a World Cup of all time. And the whole tournament in France is just going to be amazing
@@Trajan2401 in a nothing game where Eddie jones tests things and keeps things back before the World Cup. I have no doubt at all that England will beat Argentina
As a Kiwi n Die Hard ALL BLACKS Stormtrooper....2023 RWC is 50/50 of a certain feeling of making top 4 BUT.....Its the 2027 RWC in Auzzie under Scott RAZOR Robinson (Crusaders legendary Coach) as A.B Coach that has me interest in his Coaching style and what he will bring to the Table. ❤🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿🇳🇿❤
You musn't be paying attention if you think Aus don't have a shot. Ran toe to toe with all the top sides in their recent matches despite a massive injury list.
As an Irish man I would love to see Ireland make the final but we seem to under achieve when it comes to the world cup. France will be very hard to beat especially playing at home. And when they are on form they play some beautiful rugby
As a French, I think you guys have very high chances to go to the final this time. And face us ! Hopefully ! I m sick of seeing prétentious Australian or English talking shit on our teams
Awesome discussion, both eloquent and insightful and passionate Aus had a chance to win for sure esp w Eddie. Never write off ABs but not looking the strongest. France favorites. Ireland too well coached and drilled to choke. England prob no show. Arg dangerous. Jap going to be amazing to watch as always. Pacific island teams strong this time round given super rugby experience and quality expats. This RWC shaping up to be a doozy!?
Only one of top 4, France, Ireland, New Zealand, or South Africa will make the final. On the other side of the draw, Australia is the slight favourite. Anything can happen in one game, and whichever of the top 4 make it through is likely to be beaten up. So I do not see Australia as the best team in the competition, but yes they have a great chance. The draw is totally stuffed up.
Not true , only 2 of the sides will make the quarter final but because you can’t play a team in your pool in the semi, the semis will be against the other side of the pool. Teams in the same pool can only play each other again in the final (remember SA vs NZ final was possible last time )
I live in southern France and watch all the various levels of rugby. Great days out in Carcassonne where all the crowd gets involved singing, drinking, banging gongs. Everyone is happy. Its hard to see anyone going past France. La Rochelle marched over what was essentially the Irish team. The Wobblies cant be sucked into playing down the centre. I reckon we have to get the ARU to throw away the Giteau Rule if we are to get close to winning. Skelton, the Arnolds, Simmons, the Japan based players have to be all available. Put Super Rugby protectionism aside for awhile. Nice-Toulon-Marseille. Great area but very dense and expensive. Car rentals will be through the roof. The majors ran out at Easter and prices were over 100 a day if you could find a car. If you didn't/couldn't pick up on time, you lost your car. People were resorting to renting vans from the supermarkets, and even they ran out. Do your planning in advance. There are FB groups called Australians in France and Aussies in France. Many of the members have accommodation available - ranging from small gites, apartments, right through to the occasional chateau. And lots of large country houses with rooms to spare. Sometimes private accommodations are less expensive and more personal than a tour which is understandably centred in a chain hotel - a concrete box. Apologies to Will. I'm a member of the FB groups and we were kicking around the idea of "Meet a Local". That is, a local Australian based in all the major pool match cities could show a RWC visitor where to get a real local croissant, or where the best coffee is served, including a flat white. Why not meet some locals in great little cafes, try out your French? Have fun. Be shown the best local shops not to get over charged. Where locals shop. The best local boutiques or galleries for companions who may be less RWC focused. Make the most of your trip to the other side of the world. Guys, just trying to help you to have a great time in France.
La Rochelle won by 1 and that Rochelle team was not all French , they would give France a good game however) ....France was well beaten in Dublin. Think you may have banged too many gongs! 🙂 I don't buy into Leinster equals Ireland either ....nonsense...
The Wallabies don't deserve to be world champions, it would make a mockery of the whole thing. France and Ireland are streets ahead and as a Kiwi I have no problem with either of those 2 teams winning it. I think the ABs are a chance but the consistency of France and Ireland in this RWC cycle makes them more deserving.
This may be a unpopular opinion but I think South Africa are underdogs because people usually bet against World champions retaining but I still hope the Bokke win! Edit: When I orginally posted on here there was a All Blacks fan who absolutely hated on me but his comments are deleted. Life feels good now😂
I agree with you!! Also keep in mind that AUS and NZ havent'y played much against the Bokke. You also have great players returning from their EU teams like Cheslin and RG.
I actually think, this is the world cup the wallabies get knocked out of. Wales finally knocked the monkey of their back by beating us, and fiji have a bit of super rugby and some continuity. I actually would still be picking Genia at 9 though...
I’ll be praying South Africa smash this overhyped Ireland team, or Ireland go out in quarters as they usually have done in past. Australia and New Zealand could surprise people
France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia in that order are my top contenders to win. England will be better than expected. This tournament will be a bridge too far for South Africa.
One of the European Teams HAVE TO WIN THIS TIME. It has been 20 YRS since, BUT NOW better THEY are on HOME GROUND...BUT... THEY ALL have the same mental barrier, of TRYING to BEAT THE BEST in their Sport. YOU CAN'T FORGET THE ALL BLACKS
Aus got the easiest draw to finals. NZ to be the most dangerous on the other side. Ireland maybe too early (again) and France only need ONE bad game on the run to fall off. SA will start slow and come rumbling through!
I hope France win, I do think they've got more up their sleeve. Incredible depth in the squad too, home world cup as well. Surely this is the time? But yeah, totally unpredictable, there's going to be some upsets. Can't wait
I think going on the Allblacks form this year, they will peak at just the right time, Wallabies won't qualify due to alot of key players being injured or carrying injuries into this WC. Could be a Allblacks vs England Final? but then anything can happen.
Good conversation. As a French, I know the support is going to be huge for our team. We trust them and love them, that's about how well prepared as we've been through all previous WCs. Can't wait, for us to finally remove this sticky monkey off our shoulders. Galthié is an amazing squad skipper.
@@tallaganda83 what s great about our team is the strong bound between them. Band of brothers off the pitch , it surely fuels their togetherness on it. This is to me our best asset and a rare thing to get in collective sport
Dave Rennie was building some nicely that sadly he was often hampered by injuries. They need Quade's direction back at 10 but if healthy they have an easy draw and could easily win the whole thing. Eddie now gets too take over and possibly get the glory, he's a born winner they've definitely got a strong shot
Must not have been paying attention, they were a few minutes away from beating ireland and france, 30 seconds away from beating nz. Team is much better now, eddie brings something special. Aus have an easy run to the semis, so its basically two wins away
@@enterpassword3313 ... but still lost dude. Close to beating the ABs, then followed up with a drubbing the following week in Auckland. I'd be surprised if they get to the final much less win it. They haven't proven to be a consistent performer for years.
look, they said that about England when Jones was incharge, and look what happen?? they focused too much on beating the ABs and doing the same again with the wallabies, Aust could make the semis!!! never underestimate the ABs.
Injuries and cards could throw the predictions out of the window in this tournament. Will be the most attritional one ever with the so few walk over matches in the pool stages. Very hard to call.
From a Kiwi. France a chance, Ireland never been in a final and high expectations wont make it but Australia is my pick. After all its there turn. heart says France as they deserve it not being successful in finals before
All I can say is this ... come world cup time whatever has happened in the last 4 years has NO bearing on this world cup! However I will say this: a) I think the teams that could win the world cup at the moment are Ireland France South Africa b) the All Blacks have the players but not the game to win the cup c) Wallabies have Eddie Jones - this will be interesting d) whoever wins the toughest pool generally tends to makes the final e) teams to watch are Scotland, Italy and Fiji Pls note I am basing my reasons on what I am seeing with their game plans which can be reflected in their results! What has happened in the past has no real bearing!
This is one of the few times I've enjoyed listening to rugby players talk about rugby, they often use a ton of clichés and don't offer any new insights, these 2 do, mainly will genia except his take on SA I feel like they will underperform and could get knocked off by Scotland
Wallabies dont have the personnel nor BMT to win both the semi finals and finals - even if facing under dogs in final. France are clear favorites, and Ireland are 2nd option for Northern Country to claim the RWC. Failing that, Boks will be hard to beat in A final. NZ 2nd Option for Southern Country to claim the RWC. In my books, this should be the most balanced and competitive RWC in history.
Will Genia was an awesome player but he's a terrible pundit. Fiji and Japan in the quarters ? Crazy. Both of them suck actually. Get some more knowledgeable legends next time.
@@Samizouza I could see Fiji possibly getting through but it's a definite underdog pick. I want to see these legends pick as if there's a gun to their head. That's when the truth will come out.
Good to see these two having a chinwag Australia are Dark Horses that’s for Sure, Semi Finals at least. Not sure where I place England, they have a decent record at the Pool level against Argentina, but the backline really is lacking that X factor and the Pumas have upped their game. I could see England have a quarter final loss against Australia, Jones will be waiting for England. Ireland is still the unknown entity, after such a superb 12 months, They could face France in the quarter finals and that could be where a usually slow starting France kick into life. New Zealand vs Australia, France vs Argentina semi finals
Nice show, informal and informative. The France-AB game is going to be a cracking opener. And SA, oh boy. Pool of death because of regulation 8 has made Tonga all of a sudden a real dark horse. Rassie will have to pull some fancy footwork. RWC23 will probably be the most tightly contested Webb Ellis competition ever. Oz could prove a surprise contender this year. Looking forward to the July 8 game featuring the Boks vs the Wallabies.
Would love to see Japan knock off England or Argentina, but realistically can't see it happening, as both are physically imposing, have strong set pieces and good kicking games.
All Blacks vs France World Cup Final. Book it. I have an Wallabies vs All Blacks semi and France vs England Semi I know everyone has written the All Blacks and the English out, they will regret this decision. I have respect for Giteau and Guinea but Wallabies won't make the final. They just don't have the team or the number 10 to win a semi final and progress further in foreign soil. They have a very good, young side, likes of Pete Samu and Rob Valentini are amazing talent. But not 2023, 2027 watch out, they might win the whole damn thing. Eddy jones doesn't care about the 2023 world cup, he's targeting 2027. Everyone knows it.
As mush as I agree Australia have a very easy route to the semi-finals with minimal attrition v group A and the death group B, the cards are stacked in their favor. But only a fool would right off England pulling a much better performing team together. It has to be the most stupid draw I have ever seen.
The SH teams did not mind that to win the world cup in 2019 England would have had to beat Argentina them France than Australia then New Zealand then South Africa one after the other. Swings and roundabouts.
Pumas will top the group and reach the semi final👏🏾 Group A and B will be controversial fights with referees and TMO so anyone of those big 4 will survive …. It’s a dice roll
"When Eddie comes it'll all be bonza!'. Nope. Australia won't get to the final. Wales are so poor so a semi is a possibility...maaaaayybeee. Ireland France final.
Loved listening to these guys. Mostly agreed with their picks, except for writing England off that's just silly. For me it's England and who is going through in that group. I love Argentina but surely it's Japan
South african here......of the opinion that the Wallabies have nothing to prove and nothing to lose. They gonna open their eyes and realize..."hey we're in the final".....and then win it.
These two lads have got many a thrashing from the all blacks and still bet against them deep down they won’t to say all blacks but their hurt egos won’t let them
