Below we explain the format of the tournament and outline the top teams to watch out for.
What is the Rugby World Cup Format and Points System?
Qualifying rounds decided the composition of the four starting leagues. A draw ensuring that the top eight teams are evenly distributed across the pools. So we start with position as follows:
The teams play a round robin competition within the leagues. The usual Rugby Union Point system applies:
- 4 points for a win.
- 2 points for a draw.
- 1 "bonus" point for winning while scoring at least 3 more tries than the opponent.
- 1 "bonus" point for losing by no more than 8 points
The top two teams go forward into a knockout completion of quarterfinals semi-finals and final.
The most interesting thing about the draw is that it has thrown up an epic starting game when the hosts will play the All Blacks, the team who have won the trophy the most times (alongside South Africa both have 3 titles). France with home advantage will fancy their chances on current form and playing at the home of French Rugby the Stade de France in Paris. So this competition is going to start with a considerable bang!
From a home nations point of view England find themselves in winnable pool, whilst Scotland find themselves up against reigning champions South Africa and world number one ranked team Ireland,
Who will win this World Cup?
While predicting the winners of the Rugby World Cup is a challenging task, certain teams have consistently showcased their prowess in previous editions. Here are some nations to watch out for:
World number one: IRELAND: following victories against the All Black and South Africa and a dominance in the Six Nations, Ireland will be many people’s favourite. It should b be pointed out, however, that they have never won this competition.
FRANCE: World ranking two and the host nation with home support. France have never won the World Cup although they have been runner up on three occasions.
Three times winners SOUTH AFRICA and NEW ZEALAND will always be strong candidates. But it is difficult to see the home nations of England, Wales and Scotland currently ranked 6th, 9th and 5th respectively making it far in the knock out stages. But who knows.
Every World Cup brings its share of surprises and upsets, making it an exhilarating spectacle for both players and spectators. As teams from around the world prepare to compete for the ultimate rugby prize, the journey to the Rugby World Cup crown promises to be filled with memorable moments and intense battles on the field.