Following an enthralling Pool stage, the 2023 Rugby World Cup has arrived at the business end of the tournament – so, here is the full schedule to ensure that you can catch all the action.
Twelve teams have bid farewell to their temporary digs in France at the first hurdle. Most surprisingly, Australia are on their way home after Fiji and Wales upset the Wallabies in Pool C.
However, even in the Aussies’ absence, we have some cracking matchups in store as the RWC enters the knockout phase. Specifically, the 2023 Rugby World Cup is in the quarterfinal stage – so let’s start the schedule breakdown there.
QF 1: Wales v Argentina
The victors in Pool C, Wales, face the runner-up from D, Argentina, in the first of the quarterfinals. This match is at 4pm on Saturday 14 October.
Although some pundits feared that Wales may not make it out of the groups, and emphatic 40-6 win over Australia has put the wind in Welsh sails. Meanwhile, Argentina overcame a poor opening defeat to 14-man England to emerge from the Pools for the first time since 2015.
Still, Wales should be the favourites to advance here.
QF 2: Ireland v New Zealand
A game that would be fitting of a Final, two of the standout sides will do battle in quarterfinal 2 of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Ireland take on New Zealand at 8pm UK time on Saturday 14 October.
The All Blacks were unfortunate to end up in a Pool with tournament hosts, France. Les Bleus beat New Zealand in the opener, essentially leaving New Zealand consigned to second in Pool A. Nevertheless, they have been in spectacular form throughout the Group stage, putting up the largest points difference of any team.
Ireland, by comparison, won all four of their Pool B matchups. This included an impressive 13-8 victory over holders South Africa. They also beat the All Blacks in a historic series held in New Zealand last year – a further confidence boost.
This game should go down to the wire.
QF 3: England v Fiji
England took four wins from four to finish top of Pool D and set up a clash with Fiji. Although they have shown some frailties – with Samoa pushing England to the wire – Steve Borthwick’s side can carry confidence into the quarterfinals.
In contrast, Fiji are the surprise package of this 2023 Rugby World Cup. Following a memorable win over Australia, the Pacific island nation have made it to their first RWC knockout game for 16 years.
England and Fiji play in the early Sunday slate – 4pm on Sunday 15 October.
QF 4: France v South Africa
Another massive clash between pre-tournament favourites, France v South Africa is the last quarterfinal. Les Bleus and the Springboks will likely put on a show at 8pm on Sunday 15 October.
The hosts are currently sweating on the fitness of star Scrum Half, Antoine Dupont. His facial injury sustained in the Pools leaves him a doubt for France’s quarterfinal. However, he is clear to return to training this week.
Holders South Africa will provide a massive test to the French resolve on Sunday, though. Despite losing to Ireland in Pool B, the Springboks are still a strong contender for the Webb Ellis Cup. It almost seems unfair that one of these teams will fall at such an early hurdle.
After the quarterfinals, the 2023 Rugby World Cup continues its breathless schedule with the final four.
Semi-final 1: Winner of QF 1 v Winner of QF 2
The first semi-final is on Friday 20 October at 8pm UK time. Because it is between the winners of QFs 1 and 2, it will be Wales/Argentina v Ireland/New Zealand.
Semi-final 2: Winner of QF 3 v Winnter of QF 4
Next up on the Rugby World Cup schedule is the second semi-final, which will be England/Fiji v France/South Africa.
The second semi is on the following day, so Saturday 21 October at 8pm.
Third place play-off: Loser of SF 1 v Loser of SF 2
The penultimate game of France’s 2023 RWC is the “Bronze Final”. Losing teams from the two semi-finals will battle it out for third place on Friday 27 October at 8pm.
2023 Rugby World Cup Final
As a result, the last match in the schedule is the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final. Of course, this is between the two victorious teams from the semis.
The Rugby World Cup Final starts at 8pm UK time on Saturday 28 October.
Tournament Tree (via Rugby World Cup)
Featured image credit: Getty
