While New Zealand and South Africa have won three Rugby World Cup crowns, the All Blacks have a record 49 tournament wins to their name ahead of the 2023 iteration.
This makes New Zealand the most successful team in RWC history, while the iconic All Blacks were on their way to a fourth title after posting a record 18.he back-to-back victory at Japan 2019. However, they were beaten by beaten finalists England in the semi-finals, and have since embarked on a challenging period of transition.
However, they remain a team for the grand occasion and are currently listed as the second favorites to prevail in 2023 (behind host nation France). But can they really win the RWC, And what is his likely path to the final?
New Zealand’s resurgence and what it means for the tournament
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Since Ian Foster became head coach of the All Blacks in 2019, the team has seen a number of historic firsts. Most of these have also been totally negative, most notably the seismic defeats at home to Ireland and Argentina last year.
The All Blacks’ record four Test losses to 2022 was also the most in a calendar year since 1998, but it should be noted that despite this immense turbulence, New Zealand have retained all their key trophies under Foster’s stewardship. (including the Bledisloe Cup, the Freedom Cup and three consecutive SANZAAR championships).
Also, the team seems to have turned around after a seven-game unbeaten streak and a significant improvement in form during the second half of last year. They also played the best and most fluid rugby of Foster’s difficult reign during this period, when talented assistants Jason Ryan and Joe Schmidt began to exert influence on him.
Two elegant wins over Australia last September certainly showcased the All Blacks’ trademark pace and power, while back-to-back wins against Japan, Wales and Scotland preceded a competitive draw against England at Twickenham.
This run of form, coupled with New Zealand’s immense World Cup pedigree and individual quality, arguably justifies the team’s status as second seed (even ahead of world number one Ireland).
Can New Zealand win the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
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The latest New Zealand rugby news revealed that Foster has named five uncapped players to his 36-man training squad, namely Cam Roigard, Dallas McLeod, Emoni Narawa, Samipeni Finau and Tamaiti Williams.
This youthful promise is offset by the selection of captain Sam Cane, with influential 31-year-old winger Sam Cane now in top form after missing the end of the 2022 Test campaign through injury.
As for the draw, NZ will start the tournament in Pool C, starting the tournament on September 8.he in a delightful clash with hosts France in Saint-Denis. Of course, everyone hopes to qualify for the quarterfinals, but the result at the Stade de France will ultimately determine whether they finish first or second.
Regardless, you will most likely be expecting a quarter-final clash against Ireland or South Africa, and New Zealand will be confident of beating both teams despite losing three of their last four meetings against the Wolfhounds since November 2021. All in all, Ireland have always struggled to perform consistently in the RWC knockout stages, while New Zealand have a good record against South Africa and can field a hard-running attacking game to put the Springboks behind.
Once in the last four, few would bet New Zealand would prevail, but one lingering concern is the team’s struggle to consistently perform for 80 minutes and finish matches. The loss against Argentina saw the All Blacks relinquish an 18-12 lead with barely half an hour to play, for example, while the Three Lions rallied from a 25-6 deficit to draw in November.
These defeats were due to fatigue and a porous performance from the bench, with New Zealand struggling to find a high-quality or balanced selection of substitutes of late. Not make mistakes; Closing out games at the highest level requires balance and depth, while the inability to use all 23 players is considered a weakness in the modern game. Therefore, reliable and talented reserves like Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will be crucial in France. as selecting the right team and selecting it well could make the difference between success and failure for the All Blacks this autumn.
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