Check out our team-by-team preview for Pool D of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
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
Chile have just qualified for the Rugby World Cup 🔥 #USAvCHI pic.twitter.com/xiayJsJhz2
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 16, 2022
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
When Western Samoa beat Wales in the 1991 Rugby World Cup 🤯
— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) August 23, 2023
One of the biggest upsets in Test rugby history? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/IA8OdBSOti
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
Teamwork and precision combined to perfection👌
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) August 13, 2023
An unforgettable moment from Japan at #RWC2019 🇯🇵@JRFURugby | #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/2I7aS4pVLX
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
Simply one of the greatest players in England Rugby history 🙌
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) August 14, 2023
Many happy returns to @JasonLeonard114 🌹🙂🚌 pic.twitter.com/8kxKIeh8sX
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
Argentina's best Rugby World Cup try?@lospumas were different class in this key #RWC2007 clash with Ireland pic.twitter.com/lyjh97W2jt
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) December 2, 2021
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.
