As 2022 draws to an end, we've seen significant changes take place in international rugby, and with a World Cup on the horizon in 2023, it goes without saying that these developments come at an interesting time. Indeed, there are more than a few nations who are desperately scrambling around for the magic formula that will ensure World Cup glory at the Stade de France on Saturday the 28th of October 2023.
In particular, England have pushed the reset button only 10 months out from the start of the World Cup by sacking head coach Eddie Jones in December. More on the Australian's sacking can be found on The Rugby Paper which details how this stunning development all unfolded.
Meanwhile, and in an unforeseen turn of events that shows how topsy-turvy world rugby currently is, the powers that be of Australian rugby have reportedly entered into negotiations with the 62-year-old Jones about a possible return to the Wallabies setup.
As you can see, there is an astonishing amount going on behind the scenes despite the fact that we're about to enter a Rugby World Cup year.
There has, however, been one nation that has remained settled and focused in the build-up to the showpiece in France and that is South Africa. So, with this in mind, are the Springboks on course to defend their 2019 World Cup crown?
Mission accomplished in 2022
That Boks' management will tell you that they are incredibly satisfied with their preparation for the World Cup in France despite only winning eight of 13 Tests in 2022. Ordinarily, South African rugby would be plunged into crisis after finishing the calendar year with a 61 percent win record but this has been a year where the Boks have successfully blooded new talent.
Crucially, this is something they weren't able to do in 2020 when international rugby came to a sudden halt and then in 2021, the Boks' main focus was beating the British and Irish Lions which they did after an enthralling series ended 2-1 following what was the last kick of the final game. The Guardian provides a truly fascinating account of that iconic night in Cape Town here.
The British & Irish Lions players and fans will be having Morne Steyn nightmares with the flyhalf repeating his heroics from 2009 to kick over a 79th minute penalty, which handed the Springboks the series win 🇿🇦🦁#CastleLionsSeries | @MTNza pic.twitter.com/WnWYFiOmir
— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) August 8, 2021
This astonishing triumph did, however, come at a cost as the South African think tank were not willing to risk losing the series on the back of handing out multiple debuts. In this sense, you can see how the Boks, in effect, lost two years of preparation for the Jaguar Land Rover 2023 World Cup which is why they weren't as results orientated in 2022 and instead, focused on giving their emerging stars a chance on the biggest stage during the end of year autumn internationals.
Given that this was their strategy over 2022, there is an argument to be made that says winning eight Tests was in actual fact a phenomenal return during a season of trial and error.
Brilliant work from South Africa 🙌
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 26, 2022
They lead England in the #AutumnNationsSeries at Twickenham 🇿🇦#ENGvRSA pic.twitter.com/uvMJ4w9GCe
In addition to this, there was also genuine cause for optimism after the Boks beat England in their final game of the 2022 season by a scoreline of 27-13. Tellingly, it was the first South African victory at Twickenham in eight years which does suggest that for all their chopping and changing, South Africa may have during the last game of their campaign, stumbled upon a lineup that can go all the way in France.
Which nation poses the biggest threat to South Africa?
It should be pointed out that it will naturally take a Herculean effort to stop the French on home soil from winning their maiden World Cup and ominously for the other competing nations, the latest Betway sports 2023 Rugby World Cup odds price Fabien Galthié men, as of the 27th of December, at just 11/4 to be crowned eventual champions.
Essentially, with France's swashbuckling form in mind, it becomes harder to predict that the Boks will enjoy a hassle-free run to the final but at the same time, history is also on South Africa's side when you consider that they managed to win the 2007 World Cup in France, here ESPN recalls that famous night in Paris. Indeed, this is a country that has been there, done that, and left Charles de Gaulle Airport with the William Webb Ellis Cup whilst en route to Johannesburg.
So for all of France's barnstorming success over the last two years, which includes a Six Nations Grand Slam triumph which The Rugby Paper recaps here, you would have to conclude that the reigning champions are also incredibly well set up to capitalize on the momentum they will have heading into the event.
