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Rugby World Cup

PREVIEW: 2023 RWC – Pool D

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

Julian Montoya of Argentina
Photo by Steve Haag Sports

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

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

Chile

Los Cóndores make their very first RWC appearance and will be hoping to produce some solid moments on which to build going forward. It’s always awesome to see a new nation enter the fray at the global showpiece – let’s hope hey can make their supporters proud.

Last RWC finish: Debut in 2023

Predicted pool finish: Fifth

Coach: Pablo Lemoine

Captain: Martín Sigren

Player to watch: José Larenas

Youngster to watch: Santiago Pedrero

Samoa

One of the competition’s fan favourite sides, Manu Samoa will look to bring their trademark physicality to their World Cup matchups – especially against England and Argentina. They will also be buoyed by the inclusion of a number of experienced former All Blacks and former Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano, making theirs one of the most exciting squads in the tourney.

Last RWC finish: Fourth in Pool A, 2019

Predicted pool finish: Fourth

Iconic RWC player: Henry Tuilagi

Coach: Seilala Mapusua

Co-captains: Michael Ala’alatoa and Chris Vui

Player to watch: Charlie Faumuina

Youngster to watch: Miracle Faiʻilagi

Japan

The Japanese will look to replicate their efforts at the 2019 global showpiece albeit without their home support. This event will mark legendary coach Jamie Joseph’s final hurrah in the hot seat, while other greats like Michael Leitch could also make their final bow. Could they repeat their heroics from four years ago and make the last eight?

Last RWC finish: Quarterfinals, 2019

Predicted pool finish: Fourth

Iconic RWC player: Ayumu Goromaru

Coach: Jamie Joseph

Captain: Himeno Kazuki

Player to watch: Dylan Riley

Youngster to watch: Siosaia Fifita

England

England are certainly not heading into the event high on confidence after a turbulent last few years. Many have been quick to write them off and while they still do possess some real quality in their playing stocks, they’d need a sensational campaign to rival their 2019 efforts.

Last RWC finish: Runners-up, 2019

Predicted pool finish: Second

Iconic RWC player: Richard Hill

Coach: Steve Borthwick

Captain: Owen Farrell

Player to watch: Freddie Steward

Youngster to watch: Henry Arundell

Argentina

Having beaten England at Twickenham less than a year ago, Los Pumas will definitely be eyeing top spot in the pool and a potential semi-final this time round. Michael Cheika’s influence on the South Americans has been palpable, and many are tipping them to have a big say in 2023.

Last RWC finish: Third in Pool C, 2019

Predicted pool finish: First

Iconic RWC player: Juan Martin Hernandez

Coach: Michael Cheika

Captain: Julian Montoya

Player to watch: Emiliano Boffelli

Youngster to watch: Mateo Carreras

Verdict: Argentina and England to progress

While Japan and Samoa could cause trouble – get on the English and South Americans to make the last eight.

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

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