Rugby World Cup 2023: Round 5 Predictions

We’re into the last round of the pool stage with a couple of places in the knockout stages still up for grabs, and then the stakes get higher again next week.

Here are my Rugby World Cup predictions for Round 5.

New Zealand vs. Uruguay

The All Blacks mad quite a statement to those writing off their chances, scoring 96 points against Italy, and this could be a similarly one-sided affair. New Zealand by 74

France v Italy

Italy made a statement of their own in that game with an incredibly disappointing performance, and I can’t see how they can pick themselves up from that to trouble France. France by 33

Wales v Georgia

One last test for Wales before they take their place in the quarter-finals, and they should get their revenge on Georgia here, who beat them last November. Wales by 18

England v Samoa

England will top Pool D with a likely game against Fiji in the quarter-finals, and this is another opportunity to sharpen up their attack as they continue to improve. England by 23

Ireland v Scotland

This is a huge clash between two teams that know each other well. Ireland have had the upper hand in recent meetings, and I can’t see them slipping up here having seen off the Springboks in their last outing. Ireland by 13

Japan v Argentina

This is the biggest game of the round with the winner earning a place in the quarter-finals. The Pumas are starting to get going and should have more confidence after their thrashing of Chile, and I suspect they’ll edge this one. Argentina by 7

Tonga v Romania

It has been a tough tournament for Romania, conceding 242 points and scoring just 8 in their 3 matches so far. Tonga are without a win, but look a lot stronger than the Romanians. Tonga by 21

Fiji v Portugal

There shouldn’t be any late slip-ups here to let the Wallabies back into the tournament. Fiji will beat Portugal and claim their place in the quarter-finals. Fiji by 18

How do your predictions compare? Let us know in the comments!