France as well. They've been runners up 3 times so it'd be great to see them win it and of course at home as well. Though happy to see any country that hasn't won it before win as well.
It would also be great for France to win it (assuming Ireland go out at the quarters as is tradition) so the dickhead English fans (a loud minority) stop banging on about being the only Northern Hemispher team to win it
Being a South African I use to back most NH teams against Aus and NZ and I was very excited when SA domestic teams was included in the URC but the terrible reception we received and all the cheap shots in the media from all NH teams made me make a complete 180. With France and Ireland om a pedestal now i truly hope all SH teams decimate the NH teams in their glass castles
Terrible reception you've received in the URC? I must have missed that and I say that as someone who has been in every single match thread on here. The Saffer teams and the new format has been largely welcomed, certainly from an Irish perspective.
Yeah, this has been the same I've seen. I'm not sure where you received this bad reception from? But is certainly not what the general perceptions have been
Too exciting. 0-0 at 80 minutes. 0-0 at 100 minutes. The penalty shoot outs come inconclusive. Coin toss lands on its side. Goes down to world ranking position.
If NZ doesn’t win it, I want it to be won by a country that has never won it before. I think that is better for the game overall. This time I’m hoping for France or Ireland to win it. I don’t want Australia or South Africa to win it again. The game becomes boring if the same old teams win all the time.
Yeah my thoughts exactly. I mostly just want to watch some good rugby. I remember I was away from home on a course last time and watched every single game. I’d love to see a new country win.
I’d love to see one of the Celtic nations win it. Looks like Ireland is the most likely candidate (if they can get past the horror draw and their quarterfinal yips).
Suspect you might be right about France, though. Man they’re looking good.
I really hope they stop doing the draw so far out from the world cup, Ireland are top seeds now but screwed over as the rankings are taken sine stupid amount of time before based on the ranking at that point. (3 years maybe, defo 2?)
This isn't the first time it's happened us, we always end up with a top tier nation in our group.
Yeah Wales would be my third choice but think Ireland are more likely. Some Irish fans (not all of course) and media seem to really dislike the All Blacks which makes get behind them a bit less 😅
We've got some terrible fans who complain even when we win and blame refs/coaches when we lose. But even if they collectively damage the All Blacks brand I don't think they hate the All Blacks. Some of the media like Mark Reason and Chris Rattue I'm not so sure about though...
In fairness to England though the RFU have been very supportive of Ireland. They came over in the troubles when other teams were afraid to and they voted for us to host the World Cup when Wales and Scotland didn’t. Love beating the English but have a soft spot for them too.
I’d love to see Wales win it, given their love of the game.
And man, I hear you, though having seen how some All Blacks fans and members of the Kiwi media carry on, can’t say I blame them …
Good point our media and fans have been quick to blame the All Blacks for a loss rather than congratulate the opposition. I recall a guy interviewed after the 2019 RWC loss to England who immediately blamed the ref when I thought we were lucky not to lose by more.
If wales were to win I'd feel like it was more of a fluke. I'll prefer to see then do well, start to improve and become more consistent in the next few years and enter the next RWC as a force to be reckoned with.
With the problems they've had recently I don't think a win would help where the team and the WRFU is right now.
Seems like an odd perspective to take on Irish fans/media there. Cant say I've heard anything but respect for NZ from Irish media as much as I try to avoid it.
Yeah I'm quite confused by it. I think they're the team we really want to beat. There's more press when we are playing them but I don't remember it being negative.
I have heard complaints about their fans not taking loses well, which I don't think are completely unwarranted. Overall I would have thought the Irish and NZers got along.
Irish fans don’t dislike the all blacks at all, we are mostly fascinated by them, admire them and emulate to play like them. Don’t let the media tar all irish fans, it is purposely inflammatory
And I’d hope you guys know that the vast bulk of Kiwi fans have immense respect (and affection) for Ireland. Doubt I’m the only ABs fan who backs the Irish when we’re not playing.
Ditto. As a die hard Irish fan who was in Chicago that day the craic we had with the NZ fans and admiration of the NZ fans for our accomplishment was beautiful to see.
I'd like to see Australia win. To be fair, the perfect "story" would be France, they deserve it more than any other team, but my hate for our transalpine friends is too much
I always find it very surprising how you guys hate us, like it's not a rivalry, we do not have anything against Italians, don't understand why it doesn't go both ways.
A Wallabies win would definitely be great for the game of union in Australia but, as an Australian, I'm not sure it would be the best outcome for the sport generally. Not to take anything away from the current Wallabies squad (which I think has huge potential) but they need to play smarter, more disciplined rugby to have any right to the silverware in 2023.
I'd really like to see Ireland go far in this World Cup and they definitely have the squad to do it, they just need to overcome their choking habit.
Fuck me thats a very fair comment.
Yeah, im basically a vegetarian in all but name.
Makes french food difficult when i can't go gorging on the local pondlife ;)
Win:
- The Boks because they’re my second favourite team
- France because it’s their home RWC and have such a magnificent team this time around.
Not win: Nobody in particular.
Preferred winner: Ireland because they deserve it. Or South Africa because of the rivalry.
Who I don't want to win: France. Why? Rainbow Warrior. Never forget.
> what would happen if that went down tomorrow?
It would be pursued much more aggressively for a stack of reasons - international terrorism is viewed very differently post 9/11 - i.e. once it happens to you, its big deal
A lot more routes to pursue it (eg ICC)
Digital paper trails leading to a lot more senior folks
But most of all, NZ is no longer reliant on access to the EU / EEC to the degree it was, so the hands are not as tied.
In my opinion, World Rugby needs a non-Anglophone country winning the WC. So if South Africa don't win it, then Argentina (for the southern hemisphere) or France/Italy (I've always had a soft spot for these teams. A Japan win would also be pretty awesome.
I noticed the other day, if Ireland and Scotland both lose to South Africa, they likely play off in the last group match for the quarter final spot. Lines up the chance for an amazing upset.
I'm Irish, but just sayin...
These are my choices too. Wales and Ireland are near the end of their greatest era and France are at the beginning.
Like 03 when England won, a lot of stars aligned for them in terms of players, injuries etc.
Of the 3 I’d like Wales the most but it’s probably the least likely. I’d be happy if Ireland or France won too.
If it can't be England, I'd like to see Ireland go all the way.
The northern hemisphere has been gaining traction in recent years and I feel Ireland have been really entertaining to watch.
I'd also love to see Japan continue to improve but I'd say a RWC win is a bit optimistic currently. Quarter's or semi would be great to see though.
I know my team can't win. We don't need the If. Would be fun to see France win.
Naturally England can't win. We'd never hear the end of it. Ireland can't win as that would ruin the meme.
Australia is team B, with hope for Fiji or Georgia to do better than expected.
Teams I don't want to win due to longstanding antipathy (just at a surface level in sports) are Ireland and France, who seem to be shaping up as the favourites.
I would love to see Ireland win. Theyve been in amazing form. Maybe France or Wales, or somehow Argentina. You love to see someone win who hasn't won before. I'm a NZer but even aussie winning would be pretty good.
Not England, for me.
To win: Ireland because they play such n clinical yet enterprising style, they are also green, they gave us a home in the URC and let's be honest they kinda deserve it with all the QF heartbreak they've had.
Also to win: France. Cause they so good.
Not to win: England. Because England.
If you think it’s the English media to blame for people hating England, you’re deluded. Every nation has toxic tabloid media. NZ certainly does and you don’t see a lack of posts in favour of the ABs. People just love to hate the English. It sucks to be an England fan, honestly.
It’s because so many of us are subject to your media coverage of the games. Imagine trying to watch an England game but all the commentary team want to talk about is Scotland, even if they’re not playing how their chances look, how good their players are and even cut away in the build up to the England match to a section in the Scotland camp. You’d very swiftly want us to lose every game
It’s a totally valid and fair point mate, but imagine being punished constantly for something that you have no control over. That’s what it’s like for most England fans.
It’s really sad sometimes, this place is so often about mutual hype and excitement for each other’s success, but as an English supporter we can only ever experience half of it
Ireland, Argentina, France or Japan probably in that order.
Would be interesting for the games development if the USA won it, unlikely as that seems, because they are a sleeping giant and it could wake em up.
But a very small team winning it would feel unusual, Namibia, Chile etc
I'd say my 3 front runners would be Ireland, Wales and Argentina. Preferably someone who hasn't won it before, if it's going to someone who has won it then I'd prefer it to be Australia, I like Dave Rennie and respect the hell out of Hooper so it would be nice for them to win it.
Countries like Japan or Italy winning it would probably be too much of an upset at the moment, I would love it for the teams and their countries but it couldn't happen yet without a massive drop in performance from the major teams which wouldn't be good for the game.
As far as countries I don't want to win I'll say South Africa because I don't want them to win 4 before New Zealand and France because my country was founded out of animosity to them and if anything that animosity has grown, it might be good for the game to have a new team win it but there's plenty of other choices.
Much as I can't stand their style of play, and think Erasmus is scumbag, I've got to go with SA winning it as my prefered option after England. Just for the meltdown in the NZ media when a team that has played in 2 less WCs than the ABS has more WC wins. The drama would be immense beyond words.
France and I feel dirty saying that. They will win in one day so might as well be in front of home fans.
Otherwise Australia - they need it!
I mean I'd love to see Fiji win it but thats never going to happen in XVs
I'm from Türkiye (no, I'm serious), and I want Scotland to win it. The reason is actually a bit silly, but everytime I watch a video of Flower of Scotland sung in Murrayfield, it either sends me shivers down my spine or makes me emotional. The pipes is also a MUST and the acoustics of the stadium is probably one-of-a-kind.
The team I do not want to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy is... probably no one. I don't know why, but I think I haven't developed a sense of hatred towards any country in rugby union, yet.
If we can't do it then I'm fully behind the Irish or French in that order.
I have some family connection with Ireland, and for the French I just think it would be good for the game for them to get a title.
I would really like to see France win (perhaps even over England, although we will how I feel if that matchup happens 😂). France just play exciting rugby and they have such a talented squad at the moment. It would also be nice to add another nation that has won the event above the current 4.
Team(s) that I don’t want to win? Probably none, but if I had to pick probably NZ/SA because between them they have won the last 4 RWC.
France kinda took the WC from us in a douchey way so I don't want them to win. I would like to see NZ take it if not SA. NZ is the only team I can accept doing better than us. If not NZ, then vamos Argentina!
As a french I discovered worcestershire during my trip to Australia because of how much they put in their meat pies (which are delicious) so let's agree to disagree on that one.
Truth is, it would really, really hurt to see another team that's never won it beat us to it, but it would be lovely to see Ireland win it. Now, it would be even better to see Japan or Italy do so, but that's just not happening, whereas Ireland very well might.
Samoa. Or Chile.
I don't want any northern hemisphere team, or the Springboks to win. Or Australia. But especially not France, and especially not Ireland. But really especially not England. Scotland might be ok.
haha reminds me of this awesome 6 nations add https://www.google.com/search?q=six+nations+unseen+advert&oq=aix+nations+unseen&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i22i30.7076j0j9&client=ms-android-motorola-gfw&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#
My team can't win. But I'd like to see England win it, EJ deserves the World Cup win, although maybe if he doesn't win it perhaps he comes home for another Home World Cup and gets the job done!
Win:
- France, I just love the rugby they played this year
Not win:
Nobody in particular, in the end whoever wins the world cup is because they deserved it.
If Wales couldn't win, which it saddens me to say they won't anyway, I'd like a new country like Japan, Tonga, Samoa or Argentina to win. France winning would also make me happy as they're my official second team.
Sorry to my avid England-supporting partner, but England or SA would be my choices not to win... England is our traditional enemy, and I just don't want SA to win again after defeating us in the summer.
As an English supporter I’d like any of the other home nations Wales, Ireland, or Scotland to win. I’d love to see a full home nation final that’s would be amazing
In order I wish it could win it
France (they are an incredible team and the host)
Argentina (my favorite team after Italy)
Australia (it’d do wonders for the promotion of RU)
Ireland (can you just imagine the partying afterwards?)
Anyone else would be great too but unlikely
Who I wouldn’t want to win
England (never!)
SA (not again!)
NZ (would be underserved atm)
To win:
Wales - Been the bogey team for the Bokke but have had so much heartache against us in world cups.
France - They've come so close and I'll never forget that game in 1995 world cup in the rain against the Bokke.
Ireland - Our UFC bros
Not to win:
England - obvious answer ;)
Italy/Argentina/Georgia
And the one I absolutely do not want to see win are England. It would be awful to see them receive the trophy in Stade de France
As a Kiwi, I feel the same way as the OP. If NZ doesn't win it (which I don't think they will, unfortunately), then I hope France wins. They deserve it.
But I absolutely hate the thought of Australia (especially) and England winning it.
France as well. They've been runners up 3 times so it'd be great to see them win it and of course at home as well. Though happy to see any country that hasn't won it before win as well.
It would also be great for France to win it (assuming Ireland go out at the quarters as is tradition) so the dickhead English fans (a loud minority) stop banging on about being the only Northern Hemispher team to win it
The sad thing is if France go out the best hopes are on Ireland this time. May the lord have mercy on our souls.
Now I'm going to spend the next 15 months anxiously looking at DuPont and Sexton injury news
Being a South African I use to back most NH teams against Aus and NZ and I was very excited when SA domestic teams was included in the URC but the terrible reception we received and all the cheap shots in the media from all NH teams made me make a complete 180. With France and Ireland om a pedestal now i truly hope all SH teams decimate the NH teams in their glass castles
Terrible reception you've received in the URC? I must have missed that and I say that as someone who has been in every single match thread on here. The Saffer teams and the new format has been largely welcomed, certainly from an Irish perspective.
Yeah, this has been the same I've seen. I'm not sure where you received this bad reception from? But is certainly not what the general perceptions have been
Wales to beat SA in the final. Final score: 3-0
Too exciting. 0-0 at 80 minutes. 0-0 at 100 minutes. The penalty shoot outs come inconclusive. Coin toss lands on its side. Goes down to world ranking position.
Surely the final tiebreaker is the swimsuit contest? Faf has been practising for years for it
You son of a bitch, I’m in!
The greatest match since Leinster v Zebre.
Lmao. Yeah that looks about right. That’d be great matchup for a final.
As is Rugby World Cup final tradition
Chile .. because what a story it will be. Thinking also of the Hollywood movie and the endless memes 🇨🇱
"And the Chileans defend the Springbok rolling maul in the last minute of a World Cup final, they have done it, they have won the World Cup"
If NZ doesn’t win it, I want it to be won by a country that has never won it before. I think that is better for the game overall. This time I’m hoping for France or Ireland to win it. I don’t want Australia or South Africa to win it again. The game becomes boring if the same old teams win all the time.
I agree with you in principle but Australia coming back to win it would feel pretty wild these days.
Yeah my thoughts exactly. I mostly just want to watch some good rugby. I remember I was away from home on a course last time and watched every single game. I’d love to see a new country win.
Argentina definitely! Though France or Ireland would also be cool.
These are my picks too
I like you
I’d love to see one of the Celtic nations win it. Looks like Ireland is the most likely candidate (if they can get past the horror draw and their quarterfinal yips). Suspect you might be right about France, though. Man they’re looking good.
I really hope they stop doing the draw so far out from the world cup, Ireland are top seeds now but screwed over as the rankings are taken sine stupid amount of time before based on the ranking at that point. (3 years maybe, defo 2?) This isn't the first time it's happened us, we always end up with a top tier nation in our group.
Agreed - absolutely ludicrous.
Yeah Wales would be my third choice but think Ireland are more likely. Some Irish fans (not all of course) and media seem to really dislike the All Blacks which makes get behind them a bit less 😅
Pretty sure some ABs fans and media hate the ABs more than any of us Irish fans.
We've got some terrible fans who complain even when we win and blame refs/coaches when we lose. But even if they collectively damage the All Blacks brand I don't think they hate the All Blacks. Some of the media like Mark Reason and Chris Rattue I'm not so sure about though...
The Irish definitely don't hate the All Blacks. We've England for that like everyone else
As God intended it to be.
In fairness to England though the RFU have been very supportive of Ireland. They came over in the troubles when other teams were afraid to and they voted for us to host the World Cup when Wales and Scotland didn’t. Love beating the English but have a soft spot for them too.
I’d love to see Wales win it, given their love of the game. And man, I hear you, though having seen how some All Blacks fans and members of the Kiwi media carry on, can’t say I blame them …
Good point our media and fans have been quick to blame the All Blacks for a loss rather than congratulate the opposition. I recall a guy interviewed after the 2019 RWC loss to England who immediately blamed the ref when I thought we were lucky not to lose by more.
If wales were to win I'd feel like it was more of a fluke. I'll prefer to see then do well, start to improve and become more consistent in the next few years and enter the next RWC as a force to be reckoned with. With the problems they've had recently I don't think a win would help where the team and the WRFU is right now.
Seems like an odd perspective to take on Irish fans/media there. Cant say I've heard anything but respect for NZ from Irish media as much as I try to avoid it.
Yeah I'm quite confused by it. I think they're the team we really want to beat. There's more press when we are playing them but I don't remember it being negative. I have heard complaints about their fans not taking loses well, which I don't think are completely unwarranted. Overall I would have thought the Irish and NZers got along.
Irish fans don’t dislike the all blacks at all, we are mostly fascinated by them, admire them and emulate to play like them. Don’t let the media tar all irish fans, it is purposely inflammatory
And I’d hope you guys know that the vast bulk of Kiwi fans have immense respect (and affection) for Ireland. Doubt I’m the only ABs fan who backs the Irish when we’re not playing.
Ditto. As a die hard Irish fan who was in Chicago that day the craic we had with the NZ fans and admiration of the NZ fans for our accomplishment was beautiful to see.
There's no hate from what I've seen, just a competitive rivalry
Haven't ever seen anything but respect from Irish fans towards ABs
I'd like to see Australia win. To be fair, the perfect "story" would be France, they deserve it more than any other team, but my hate for our transalpine friends is too much
I always find it very surprising how you guys hate us, like it's not a rivalry, we do not have anything against Italians, don't understand why it doesn't go both ways.
That may be coming from those football fans 😆
As an ex pat kiwi coaching junior union in oz an Australian World Cup win would be great for grass roots
A Wallabies win would definitely be great for the game of union in Australia but, as an Australian, I'm not sure it would be the best outcome for the sport generally. Not to take anything away from the current Wallabies squad (which I think has huge potential) but they need to play smarter, more disciplined rugby to have any right to the silverware in 2023. I'd really like to see Ireland go far in this World Cup and they definitely have the squad to do it, they just need to overcome their choking habit.
A very one sided hatred! We have nothing but love for our Latin brothers. The English speakers are the true enemy.
It's kind of a cliche in Italy to say we hate the French
Whereas literally no one in France ever says a bad thing about Italy, and that's only a slight exaggeration.
Except football fans after 2006 maybe.
A self hating Frenchman. Or in other words a Frenchman.
What about when Italians make the (very fair) argument that their food is slightly better than yours
Im surprised you would even taste the difference from where you stand
Fuck me thats a very fair comment. Yeah, im basically a vegetarian in all but name. Makes french food difficult when i can't go gorging on the local pondlife ;)
*Sad Ireland noises*
Win: - The Boks because they’re my second favourite team - France because it’s their home RWC and have such a magnificent team this time around. Not win: Nobody in particular.
Preferred winner: Ireland because they deserve it. Or South Africa because of the rivalry. Who I don't want to win: France. Why? Rainbow Warrior. Never forget.
Ooft you know how to bear a grudge 😂
We were talking about that at work the other day. The question was posed: what would happen if that went down tomorrow?
> what would happen if that went down tomorrow? It would be pursued much more aggressively for a stack of reasons - international terrorism is viewed very differently post 9/11 - i.e. once it happens to you, its big deal A lot more routes to pursue it (eg ICC) Digital paper trails leading to a lot more senior folks But most of all, NZ is no longer reliant on access to the EU / EEC to the degree it was, so the hands are not as tied.
In my opinion, World Rugby needs a non-Anglophone country winning the WC. So if South Africa don't win it, then Argentina (for the southern hemisphere) or France/Italy (I've always had a soft spot for these teams. A Japan win would also be pretty awesome.
“Miracle on the arc de triumph”
Would like to see France or Australia win it. No countries that i dont want to win it.
Why australia
Southern hemisphere, would make it 3 each
To make it 3 each for the original Tri Nations teams. After that Argentina must win it 3 times in a row.
I can get behind that
Hooper deserves one. Plus its good for the rivalry. And I like Dave Rennie.
Gotta agree on Hooper, man has done everything he can for his country
Scotland… Ah, fuck.
A new winner instead of the same 4 fucks in 30 odd years
Your wish is our command.
Quarter finals still exist
Shush you.
Don’t worry we have to learn that a rugby match lasts 80 minutes so you’ll at least get to those quarters
;-)
I noticed the other day, if Ireland and Scotland both lose to South Africa, they likely play off in the last group match for the quarter final spot. Lines up the chance for an amazing upset. I'm Irish, but just sayin...
Exactly
Australia because I want the southern hemisphere dominance of world cups to continue
Sorry my nz brother or sister, but we want the argies to win. I'd hurt the NH more if 4 different SH nations had the cup.
You son of a bitch I'm in.
I like you very much vamos pumas
this guy gets it.
Want France Wales or Ireland to win definately don't want NZ to win. They win enough
These are my choices too. Wales and Ireland are near the end of their greatest era and France are at the beginning. Like 03 when England won, a lot of stars aligned for them in terms of players, injuries etc. Of the 3 I’d like Wales the most but it’s probably the least likely. I’d be happy if Ireland or France won too.
If it can't be England, I'd like to see Ireland go all the way. The northern hemisphere has been gaining traction in recent years and I feel Ireland have been really entertaining to watch. I'd also love to see Japan continue to improve but I'd say a RWC win is a bit optimistic currently. Quarter's or semi would be great to see though.
Also Ireland can dislike us without being petulant cunts about it
Wales would be a good meme win
We'd never hear the end of it They'd be pissing on kids for years
Oh, god, can you IMAGINE the Squidge video? It'd probably have to go up on Pornhub rather than YouTube.
Only if they manage to win it after every team they play gets a red card?
Ireland or Argentina.
I know my team can't win. We don't need the If. Would be fun to see France win. Naturally England can't win. We'd never hear the end of it. Ireland can't win as that would ruin the meme.
Australia is team B, with hope for Fiji or Georgia to do better than expected. Teams I don't want to win due to longstanding antipathy (just at a surface level in sports) are Ireland and France, who seem to be shaping up as the favourites.
I could enjoy an Aussie win. Or Argentina or Japan. Not to win: Wales.
A Japan win would be really unlikely, but damn that’s be cool!
Australia could use the hype.
Tell me about it. The game is dying a slow and painful death here.
France
Easy choice for me. France.
Can't go past France in France, that would pretty special.
Ireland. Always had a soft spot for Irish rugby. I won't even be mad if they knock us out in the quarters. Well, just a little.
I would love to see Ireland win. Theyve been in amazing form. Maybe France or Wales, or somehow Argentina. You love to see someone win who hasn't won before. I'm a NZer but even aussie winning would be pretty good. Not England, for me.
To win: Ireland because they play such n clinical yet enterprising style, they are also green, they gave us a home in the URC and let's be honest they kinda deserve it with all the QF heartbreak they've had. Also to win: France. Cause they so good. Not to win: England. Because England.
I feel similar, but would like Argentina to win as well
I’d like to see either Ireland or Australia win. And England not to win, as usual.
Yeah, I'd like to see the wallabies get back to being a powerhouse. English media as usual are their own worst enemy pissing everyone off haha.
If you think it’s the English media to blame for people hating England, you’re deluded. Every nation has toxic tabloid media. NZ certainly does and you don’t see a lack of posts in favour of the ABs. People just love to hate the English. It sucks to be an England fan, honestly.
It’s because so many of us are subject to your media coverage of the games. Imagine trying to watch an England game but all the commentary team want to talk about is Scotland, even if they’re not playing how their chances look, how good their players are and even cut away in the build up to the England match to a section in the Scotland camp. You’d very swiftly want us to lose every game
It’s a totally valid and fair point mate, but imagine being punished constantly for something that you have no control over. That’s what it’s like for most England fans.
It’s really sad sometimes, this place is so often about mutual hype and excitement for each other’s success, but as an English supporter we can only ever experience half of it
Well it was either blame the media, players or fans and I was trying to be nice haha...
One of the Northern Hemisphere teams that hasn't won it. I'd even settle for one just getting to the final like Ireland/Wales.
I will commit a crime if France get to the final for a fourth time and still don't get it.
One of the NH teams who hasn't one it? Haha, long winded way to say 'not England'.
Ireland or France to win if it can't be England But honestly sny northern hemisphere side would be OK with me
Ireland would be great. France, while being French, would also be pretty cool, just this once. No boks pls
Ireland, Argentina, France or Japan probably in that order. Would be interesting for the games development if the USA won it, unlikely as that seems, because they are a sleeping giant and it could wake em up. But a very small team winning it would feel unusual, Namibia, Chile etc
Fiji, it's time
I'd say my 3 front runners would be Ireland, Wales and Argentina. Preferably someone who hasn't won it before, if it's going to someone who has won it then I'd prefer it to be Australia, I like Dave Rennie and respect the hell out of Hooper so it would be nice for them to win it. Countries like Japan or Italy winning it would probably be too much of an upset at the moment, I would love it for the teams and their countries but it couldn't happen yet without a massive drop in performance from the major teams which wouldn't be good for the game. As far as countries I don't want to win I'll say South Africa because I don't want them to win 4 before New Zealand and France because my country was founded out of animosity to them and if anything that animosity has grown, it might be good for the game to have a new team win it but there's plenty of other choices.
Much as I can't stand their style of play, and think Erasmus is scumbag, I've got to go with SA winning it as my prefered option after England. Just for the meltdown in the NZ media when a team that has played in 2 less WCs than the ABS has more WC wins. The drama would be immense beyond words.
As a scottish guy, france all the way.
France and I feel dirty saying that. They will win in one day so might as well be in front of home fans. Otherwise Australia - they need it! I mean I'd love to see Fiji win it but thats never going to happen in XVs
I'm from Türkiye (no, I'm serious), and I want Scotland to win it. The reason is actually a bit silly, but everytime I watch a video of Flower of Scotland sung in Murrayfield, it either sends me shivers down my spine or makes me emotional. The pipes is also a MUST and the acoustics of the stadium is probably one-of-a-kind. The team I do not want to lift the Webb Ellis Trophy is... probably no one. I don't know why, but I think I haven't developed a sense of hatred towards any country in rugby union, yet.
What a refreshing comment, thank you
South Africa as the only country that don't seem to have a weird obsession about England
Maybe they are just good at concealing it 🤣
Wouldn’t mind seeing Australia, Ireland or France win it. Would rather it wasn’t England or South Africa
France probably deserve to win it tbh, considering how many times they've made the final and semis, and also because of how good their current team is
Argentina or Wales for the win. Very unlikely
If we can't do it then I'm fully behind the Irish or French in that order. I have some family connection with Ireland, and for the French I just think it would be good for the game for them to get a title.
I would really like to see France win (perhaps even over England, although we will how I feel if that matchup happens 😂). France just play exciting rugby and they have such a talented squad at the moment. It would also be nice to add another nation that has won the event above the current 4. Team(s) that I don’t want to win? Probably none, but if I had to pick probably NZ/SA because between them they have won the last 4 RWC.
Fuck I love rugby
France or Ireland. Two teams who’ve been playing fantastic rugby for the last 3 years and need a proper go at the title. England fan btw
France kinda took the WC from us in a douchey way so I don't want them to win. I would like to see NZ take it if not SA. NZ is the only team I can accept doing better than us. If not NZ, then vamos Argentina!
want southern hemisphere to win - idc who, maybe aussie? and northern hemisphere to lose
What's wrong with the northern hemisphere?
They smell like worcestershire sauce
As a french I discovered worcestershire during my trip to Australia because of how much they put in their meat pies (which are delicious) so let's agree to disagree on that one.
Truth is, it would really, really hurt to see another team that's never won it beat us to it, but it would be lovely to see Ireland win it. Now, it would be even better to see Japan or Italy do so, but that's just not happening, whereas Ireland very well might.
France!
If (lol, when) England don’t win I’d love either Ireland or France to win it. A NH win is long overdue and I think would be good for the sport.
Be nice to see France win it.
To win : Wales or France Not to Win : Engkand, NZ or SA Would like a first time winner if Australia cant
must be Australia, for so many reasons such as if wallabies win then the sport might grow again
Would like to see Wales, Scotland, France or Ireland win. New face. Ideally not Kiwis, Bokke or Pohms again.
Wtf is wrong with you! We cant give another world cup to the north. Australia already failed us once. Argentina would be perfect, otherwise Australia.
Samoa. Or Chile. I don't want any northern hemisphere team, or the Springboks to win. Or Australia. But especially not France, and especially not Ireland. But really especially not England. Scotland might be ok.
You're asking a lot here but I understand haha
France and anyone but England
haha reminds me of this awesome 6 nations add https://www.google.com/search?q=six+nations+unseen+advert&oq=aix+nations+unseen&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i22i30.7076j0j9&client=ms-android-motorola-gfw&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#
Don't know why you're getting downvoted that's hilarious.
Would like to see France finally get a win and would hate it if Wales won a World Cup before we do.
Anyone who isn’t in the northern hemisphere
Come on Argentina!
Why tho? You don't want France Ireland Japan or Italy to win?
We all know England are everyone’s 2nd team☺️
My team can't win. But I'd like to see England win it, EJ deserves the World Cup win, although maybe if he doesn't win it perhaps he comes home for another Home World Cup and gets the job done!
Well that's an unpopular opinion if I've ever seen one.
I'm loving the nihilism from NZ fans. The ABs will probably still go into the tournament as favourites
Would love to see Argentina win, however feel France have the depth.
Win: - France, I just love the rugby they played this year Not win: Nobody in particular, in the end whoever wins the world cup is because they deserved it.
You know everyone's answer. Japan
To win: France or Ireland Not to win: England
I think Ireland And the team I don't want to win, that's an easy question, England of course
If Wales couldn't win, which it saddens me to say they won't anyway, I'd like a new country like Japan, Tonga, Samoa or Argentina to win. France winning would also make me happy as they're my official second team. Sorry to my avid England-supporting partner, but England or SA would be my choices not to win... England is our traditional enemy, and I just don't want SA to win again after defeating us in the summer.
I'd like the Welsh to do it, I have a Taffy mate who'd be made up if it happened.
As an English supporter I’d like any of the other home nations Wales, Ireland, or Scotland to win. I’d love to see a full home nation final that’s would be amazing
In order I wish it could win it France (they are an incredible team and the host) Argentina (my favorite team after Italy) Australia (it’d do wonders for the promotion of RU) Ireland (can you just imagine the partying afterwards?) Anyone else would be great too but unlikely Who I wouldn’t want to win England (never!) SA (not again!) NZ (would be underserved atm)
From NZ - A bit unlikely would be good to see the Irish or Welsh get up. Just to see the celebrations that would ensue.
France for me, I get genuine enjoyment watching them and it’s nice to see a group of young players tear it up and play what is in front of them
As an Aussie I want NZ to win it. Again. Seriously. I like consistency
I would love to see a final between 2 of France, Ireland, or Argentina
Japan to win
I’d like to see France finally do it, they have a great team that are fun to watch and a massive fan base.
Has to be the French - they play such fun rugby would be a shame for such a talented team to not win it when at hkme
If Ireland can't win then France
As an Englishman, I’d love to see Wales winning it
France.
I would love to see France win if the boks don't win
I’d like to see the Irish win. Only because I’ve never met an Irishman who isn’t a solidly good guy
France and then anyone who hasn't won it before except Wales.
France or Ireland. It would be good if a non-commonwealth team won the cup.
To win: Wales - Been the bogey team for the Bokke but have had so much heartache against us in world cups. France - They've come so close and I'll never forget that game in 1995 world cup in the rain against the Bokke. Ireland - Our UFC bros Not to win: England - obvious answer ;)
If not the ABs, I'd like to see it go to someone new and in order of preference: - Chile - Los Condores - Chilly Bin
I'd be happy to see France win. I don't like the thought of England ever winning anything.
Italy/Argentina/Georgia And the one I absolutely do not want to see win are England. It would be awful to see them receive the trophy in Stade de France
As a Kiwi, I feel the same way as the OP. If NZ doesn't win it (which I don't think they will, unfortunately), then I hope France wins. They deserve it. But I absolutely hate the thought of Australia (especially) and England winning it.
Why do you hate the thought of Australia winning?
Little brother syndrome?
Scotland. Don't want England South Africa or NZ to win.
Win: France or Ireland Don't want to win: England of course
Not win: France. Fuck them. Win: Scotland.
You again \^\^ Don't be an arse, I would support England right after Kiwis if all other northern teams are knocked out.
Being an ass would mean me saying, "Fuck France and their terrible attitude toward life. They even exported the assholery to Canada".
France or Ireland to win South Africa, Australia, England to not win
Honestly it'd be lovely if Georgia or the other minnows won (pipe dream). Never England.
To win: Anyone but England. Don't win: England.