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Ireland will begin their 2023 World Cup campaign against Europe Qualifier 2, likely Russia, in Bordeaux on September 9.
Ndy Farrell’s men will continue with a trip to Nantes on September 16 to face Asia-Pacific 1, either Samoa or Tonga.
Those two opening games should allow Ireland to get their tournament off to a positive start before the opposition levels rise considerably.
Ireland will face defending champions South Africa at the Stade de France in what promises to be a titanic battle in the capital on 23 September.
Ireland will remain in Paris for their last group game against Scotland on October 7, and if they advance to the quarterfinals, their last clash of eight, regardless of whether they finish first or second in the group, would see Farrell’s team play in the Stade de France for the third consecutive game.
This will be easier said than done though, as South Africa will be extremely difficult to beat, while Scotland is improving rapidly.
“As I said at the time of the draw, being in the same group as Ireland and Scotland will be a huge challenge, but to win the tournament, you have to be able to beat all the teams and we will be properly tested in the group stages,” he said. Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber.
“The margin of error at any stage of the RWC is very small, so we will plan for each scenario, including a very difficult last group match against an Asia-Pacific qualifier that could be one from Samoa or Tonga.
The tournament will begin with a delicious draw between hosts France and New Zealand at the Stade de France on September 8.
Ireland 2023 World Cup Group Matches:
September 9: Europe 2 in Bordeaux
September 16: Asia / Pacific 1 in Nantes
September 23: South Africa in Saint-Denis, Paris
October 7: Scotland in Saint-Denis, Paris
Online editors
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