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Rugby World Cup

PREVIEW: 2023 RWC – Pool C

Check out our team-by-team preview for Pool C of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Marika Koroibete of the Wallabies
EPA/DAN PELED

Check out our team-by-team preview for Pool C of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides

Portugal

Portugal can be proud at qualifying for what is just their second ever Rugby World Cup, though they won’t find it easy against their pool opponents. Hopefully the 16th-ranked Europeans can find a way to hold their own.

Last RWC finish: Fifth in Pool C, 2007

Predicted pool finish: Fifth

Iconic RWC player: Pedro Leal

Coach: Patrice Lagisquet

Captain: Tomás Appleton

Player to watch: Mike Tadjer

Youngster to watch: José Madeira

Georgia

Georgia will definitely be eyeing a quarterfinal spot considering the underwhelming recent performances of the likes of Australia and Wales. That said, their clash with Fiji on 30 September will potentially be their biggest in terms of setting up last eight qualification.

Last RWC finish: Fourth in Pool D, 2019

Predicted pool finish: Fourth

Iconic RWC player: Mamuka Gorgodze

Coach: Levan Maisashvili

Captain: Merab Sharikadze

Player to watch: Beka Gigashvili

Youngster to watch: Davit Niniashvili

Fiji

Like Georgia, the Pacific Islanders will be out to earn quarterfinal qualification for only the third time and the first since 2007. Having defeated Wales in the pool stages in the latter tournament, they’ll be hoping history repeats itself in France.

Last RWC finish: Third in Pool D, 2019

Predicted pool finish: Third

Iconic RWC player: Leone Nakarawa

Coach: Simon Raiwalui

Captain: Waisea Nayacalevu

Player to watch: Josua Tuisova

Youngster to watch: Jiuta Wainiqolo

Australia

With all and sundry having already written them off, Eddie Jones has remained convinced that his Wallabies outfit has what it takes to go all the way. Although their fellow pool opposition will be far from pushovers, they are certainly seeded on the right side of the draw as far as knockout qualification goes. Could they spring the greatest of surprises this year?

Last RWC finish: Quarterfinals, 2019

Predicted pool finish: First

Iconic RWC player: John Eales

Coach: Eddie Jones

Captain: Will Skelton

Player to watch: Fraser McReight

Youngster to watch: Carter Gordon

Wales

Without a plethora of experienced heads to rely on, Warren Gatland’s youthful Welsh side will need to learn fast if they are to hold off the likes of Georgia and Fiji, as well as best Australia. Like the Wallabies, Wales at least have the advantage of flying under the radar somewhat.

Last RWC finish: Fourth, 2019

Predicted pool finish: Second

Iconic RWC player: Adam Jones

Coach: Warren Gatland

Co-captains: Dewi Lake and Jac Morgan

Player to watch: Adam Beard

Youngster to watch: Rio Dyer

Verdict: Wallabies and Wales to progress

Fiji and Georgia will be pushing hard for some upset wins, but ultimately Wales and Australia will have too much.

Jamie Moore's Diary - jockey talks Goshen and Ascot rides

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