Here are the five things you need to know ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France:
While the World Cup officially begins on Saturday at 5.15AM (AEST) as the hosts, France kick off against the All Blacks, the Wallabies will play their first game the following day against Georgia. In their other Pool C fixtures, the Wallabies will match up against Fiji, Wales and Portugal with the knockout stages beginning on October 14-15.
The Wallabies first game kickstarts on Sunday the 10 of September at 2.00AM AEST when they face Georgia.
Whether you stay up or wake up early, this is a crucial clash for the Wallabies to get off to a winning start.
The average age of the Wallabies Squad is 26.5 years old. This is the youngest ever Rugby World Cup squad assembled, and includes the likes of NSW Waratahs Max Jorgensen, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Ben Donaldson.
Wallabies Coach Eddie Jones has had the worlds heads turning since his coach selection, keeping selections close to his chest as he builds for the future of Australian Rugby. His selection of distinctly younger team, mirrors the pathway that Rugby World Cup hosts, France, took in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Hailed as one of the World Cup favourites, Eddie Jones following France Head Coach Fabien Galthie’s footsteps with a youth dominated squad might do the trick.
Eight Waratahs have been named in the Wallabies squad for the Rugby World Cup.
This includes Angus Bell (24 Tests), David Porecki (15 Tests), Langi Gleeson (4 Tests), Lalakai Foketi (6 Tests), Izaia Perese (5 Tests), Max Jorgensen (uncapped), Mark Nawaqanitawase (7 Tests) and Ben Donaldson (3 Tests).
Max Jorgensen will be the youngest ever Australian to debut at the Rugby World Cup if named to play in any matches at the tournament, including the opener against Georgia.
The freshly turned nineteen-year-old has had a record breaking year after making his NSW Waratahs debut fresh out of high school and has made his mark since.
Jorgensen got the rugby worlds attention when he scoring a sensational solo try on his Super Rugby debut and becoming the first Waratahs player to score in his first three games. While he partially ruptured his ACL and missed the U20 World Championships and home Test series, that did not stop Jorgenson from rightfully earning a selection.
Let’s see if history is made.
William Webb Ellis has his name etched on to the World Cup trophy that every nation is vying for.
But who is William Webb Ellis and why is the trophy named after him?
Legend says that the game of Rugby came to life once schoolboy Webb Ellis picked up the oval shaped ball and ran with it during a football match back in 1823.
According to Rugby antiquary Matthew Bloxam, Ellis was supposed to call a mark in a football match but ran with the ball instead. Ultimately the practice of running with the ball was developed from Ellis’ revolutionary on-field decision to run it straight, something Australian Rugby prides itself on.
Be sure to show your support for the Wallabies this Sunday 10 of September, whether you are watching from the comfort of your own couch or in the stands in Paris!
Go the Wallabies!
