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It’s the final day of the Rugby World Cup’s pool play, and there’s still plenty to be decided across the tournament’s last three group matches. Will it be Japan or Argentina that progress to the knockout rounds? Who will salvage a win out of Tonga and Romania? Can Fiji complete their fairytale and send Australia home?
We breakdown all of today’s matches, outlining every fixture’s schedule, and previewing all three clashes as well ahead of the first game kicking off this Sunday.
Today’s matches and schedule – Rugby World Cup 08/10/2023
Contents
Here’s an overview of the matches occurring at the Rugby World Cup today, with three clashes taking place across France on Sunday 08/10/2023:
| Match | Time (GMT) | Venue |
| Japan vs Argentina | 14:00 | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes |
| Tonga vs Romania | 16:45 | Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille |
| Fiji vs Portugal | 20:00 | Stadium de Toulouse |
With two of these matches having pool-defining consequences, and one of them being between two proud rugby playing nations desperate to salvage something from their Rugby World Cup campaigns, there’s plenty to watch this Sunday. Here’s a closer look at each of today’s matches.
Japan vs Argentina – Pool D (14:00 GMT, Stade de la Beaujoire)
Knockout rugby comes early in Pool D, with a very simple equation for Japan and Argentina: win and you’re in the quarter-finals, lose and you’re going home. No bonus points, no fancy math, it’s just a straight shootout here.
Argentina should be able to get the win here and go on to the quarter-finals, as they’ve appeared to get some momentum back into their campaign after a horrible start against England. However, Japan have been looking sharper than they have in years, and Argentina have been haunted by discipline issues, making this a tough match to call.
Tonga vs Romania – Pool B (16:45 GMT, Stade Pierre Mauroy)
It’s been tough for Tonga and Romania in a pool with three of the world’s top five teams, and both have gone winless so far across their campaigns. Romania have taken a backwards step from previous Rugby World Cups, and have been thoroughly beaten up in all three of their fixtures. Tonga have looked good in flashes, but will also be disappointed to have not been more competitive, given the quality of players they have in their side.
Tonga should come out on the right side of this clash, but expect Romania to come out hammer and tongs, with this their only real chance of getting a victory this tournament.
Flying Fijians are ready 💪.
🇫🇯 VS 🇵🇹
⏰ 7am FJT #FIJIWaterFlyingFijians #RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/RhqLOv9Sw0— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) October 6, 2023
Fiji vs Portugal – Pool C (20:00 GMT, Stadium de Toulouse)
Rounding out pool play for the Rugby World Cup 2023, it’s a match between everyone’s second and third favourites teams. Both have been impressive this tournament, and it’s a shame one has to walk away with the taste of defeat in their mouths.
Fiji have the extra motivation of needing just one point in order to make the quarter-finals, and we say that’ll be enough to get them across the line here. Expect a spirited challenge from Portugal, but a Fijian side that know they have history within their grasp will be too good for them ultimately.
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