Review of the 2023 Rugby World Cup: Tops and Flops
After seven weeks of intense competition, the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France has just ended with a narrow victory for South Africa against New Zealand. This tenth edition of the competition was marked by many highlights and exceptional performances. In this article, we offer you a review of the tops and flops of this World Cup.
The Tops:
Will Jordan, the serial scorer: The New Zealand winger made his mark by equaling the record for tries scored in a single edition of the World Cup (eight), shared with legends like Jonah Lomu and Bryan Habana. At only 25 years old, Will Jordan promises to set new records in his international career with the All Blacks.
Portugal gains height: The Lobos created a surprise by climbing to 13th place in the world rankings, a historic record for the Portuguese team. Despite a defeat against Wales, they achieved a good draw against Georgia and an unexpected victory against Fiji. A performance which testifies to their constant progress in rugby.
Louis Bielle-Biarrey at full speed: At only 20 years old, the French winger caused a sensation during this World Cup. He managed to establish himself in the France team, scoring four tries in four matches played. His speed and talent were noticed, and he was nominated for World Rugby’s Breakout of the Year award.
The atmosphere in the stadiums: Despite the intense competition, the atmosphere in the stadiums remained festive and friendly. Supporters of the different teams were able to mix and share their passion for rugby without any separation. This demonstrates the spirit of fair play that reigns in this sport and the good conduct of supporters.
The self-sacrifice of Antoine Dupont: The French captain showed a great sense of teamwork and unfailing determination. Despite suffering an injury early in the competition, he did everything possible to return to the team and played courageously in the quarter-final against South Africa. His performance demonstrates his commitment and love for rugby.
The mullet cut: The iconic haircut of the 80s made a comeback during this World Cup. Some players have opted for this retro hairstyle, bringing a touch of originality to the field. This caused amusement among the media and spectators.
An Argentine “Zébulon”: Argentina was represented by a dynamic and talented player, who left his mark with his performance. His hat-trick against Japan and his spectacular charge against Marcus Smith were highlights of the competition. Despite his small size, he demonstrated great combativeness on the field.
The Flops:
Unfortunately, even in a competition as prestigious as the Rugby World Cup, there have also been disappointments and performances that fell short of expectations. These “flops” can be attributed to different factors such as injuries, unconvincing play or disappointing results. However, it is important to emphasize that each team gave their best and deserved their place in this competition.
In conclusion, the 2023 Rugby World Cup was a competition rich in emotions and exceptional performances. The tops have left their mark with their talent and self-sacrifice, while the flops remind us that sport is full of uncertainties and surprises. One thing is certain, this World Cup will go down in the annals of rugby, and fans are already impatiently awaiting the next edition.