It may take an inordinate amount of time from the opening games this weekend to the final in Paris on October 28th but the 2023 Rugby World Cup is certain to generate enough drama, controversy and passionate support to make the tournament seem a lot shorter than seven weeks. As well as all the fevered anticipation that goes with watching the world’s best teams and players, Irish supporters can realistically dare to dream that the 10th staging of the tournament will see Andy Farrell’s team go where no Irish team has gone before – the semi-finals or final.
Those dreams are based on solid foundations, with Ireland going into the tournament as the world’s number one ranked side, a team more to be feared than carrying any fears. The immense challenge of facing the reigning world champions South Africa in their pool and the prospect of meeting either New Zealand or France in a potential quarter-final, seem unlikely to spook a side that has beaten all three teams over the last 15 months.
This year’s thrilling Grand Slam victory bookended a victory over the Springboks last autumn and a first ever Test series win against the All Blacks in New Zealand in the summer of 2022. Those achievements underline why supporters have every reason for optimism, despite the totally lopsided World Cup draw.
The attritional nature of modern day rugby at the elite level – the sheer physicality which has led to much controversy – means that the teams who have their sights on World Cup success must combine brawn with brilliance.
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Great teams in any sport are a blend of sublime skills, mental fortitude and confidence in delivering performances in the most pressurised situations. Ireland have proved that they have all those attributes and more under Farrell and his team. If they can now avoid serious injuries to key players through the early part of the tournament, there is no reason why they should not entertain the prospect of Johnny Sexton rounding off a remarkable international career by leading his side out in the Stade de France on the last Saturday in October.