The highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup is right around the corner and will take place from September 8th to October 28th. This will be the first time France will solely host the World Cup and takes place at nine venues throughout the country.
A total of 48 matches will be played, including the most awaited for knockout matches which will be the centre of drama. Every second, and every move will count.
So, what exactly can we expect? Let’s start by taking a look at how the knockout stages of the Rugby World Cup 2023 work:
Quarterfinals
After all the pool matches will have come to an end witnessing quite the action, it will be time for a more competitive stage, the quarterfinals. Top two teams from every pool will proceed to the next round, eliminating the rest. A total of eight teams will reach this stage and four matches will take place.
These will be do-or-die moments, leaving no room for a mistake, making the quarterfinals a challenging one. Each team who makes it through will be more determined, as they get closer to their goal of reaching the final.
Semi-Finals
Right after the nail-biting Quarterfinals, the next stage for the successful teams is the Semi-Finals. All four teams who win the quarterfinals will proceed to this stage. One of the matches will be played between the two top teams of the tournament and the other match will be between the underdogs – but at this stage no team should be underestimated as they didn’t make this far without playing the best amongst the others. This is also the moment we’ve seen teams, down as the underdog, shine the most in the past.
Bronze Final
As the dust settles after the intense Semi-Finals of the Rugby World Cup 2023, two valiant teams find themselves on the brink of glory - just short of one more victory. The Bronze Final awaits, which will take place between the two teams unable to win the Semi-Final. Although victory in this stage would not mean as much as winning in the Final, the bronze medal is still worth fighting for. Just like it was for Argentina in 2007 when they defeated France 34-17. At this point both the teams will have overcome countless challenges and shown its full commitment.
Final
Finally, the two victorious teams from the semi-finals reach their final destination - the match which will decide the winner of the Rugby World Cup 2023. Although the pressure will be immense, each team will be determined more than ever to play with passion, and to the best of their capabilities to try and etch their names into rugby history.
In case of a draw at the end of regular playtime, the knockout match will proceed into extra time, where two additional periods of 10 minutes each are played. If the score remains level at the end of extra time, a thrilling sudden-death scenario ensues. In this thrilling climax, the first team to score any points, be it through a try, penalty, or drop goal, will be declared the winner. However, If the teams still cannot be separated, a kicking competition will determine who is victorious. This happened in the 1995, 2003, and 2011 Rugby World Cup finals.
Either way… From the quarterfinals to the semi-finals, and ultimately, the Final, the world will witness a showcase of the very best in rugby. As these players step onto the field with pride and sheer determination, they carry the hopes and dreams of their nations.
So, to all the rugby enthusiasts out there, fasten your seatbelts, hold your breath, and prepare for an unforgettable ride, as the Rugby World Cup 2023 knockout-stages unfold before our eyes.
What else can we expect from the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
France will play host but right now there is no clear favourite. New Zealand, South Africa, England, and Ireland are all strong contenders. It’ll also mark 20 years since the
England Rugby Team won their first and only (so far) Rugby World Cup. Could it be their year again? Time will tell!
