New Zealand Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures, Odds & Squad

New Zealand feature in the opening Rugby World Cup match when they face hosts, France on 8 September. That is followed by a clash against minnows Namibia a week later before a long break before facing Italy on 29 September.

The All Blacks finish the group stage against Uruguay, a team they really should comfortably beat. The group is simple enough for the All Blacks, but finishing top will be the priority, and for that to happen they must see off France in the opener.

New Zealand are second favourites to win the World Cup at 4.00 with bet.co.za behind France. That is mainly based off the success of the All Black teams of the past, but they have been fairly inconsistent under Ian Foster over the last two years.

New Zealand is the most successful side at the Rugby World Cup alongside South Africa. They won the inaugural event back in 1987 on home soil but struggled for years after that win their second cup.

In 1995 they lost in the final against South Africa whilst in 1999 a rampant French side knocked them out in the semi-final. Another semi-final exit came in 2003 against hosts, Australia.

In 2007 the All Blacks were in superb form, and it didn’t look like anyone could stop them. However, in a very controversial quarter-final, France somehow managed to turn them over.

The 2011 World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and while not being at their very best, the All Blacks managed to scrape past France (8-7) in the final to claim the title again. That broke the hoodoo that seemingly hung over their heads as New Zealand went on to comfortably win the 2015 event in England as well.

In 2019 old habits returned in the semi-final as the men in black went missing against England. That may be slightly harsh as England performed brilliantly, arguably their best single World Cup performance.

The All Blacks will not name their squad until after this years Rugby Championship.