Best rugby teams in the world 2023

Things were a little more routine for the All Blacks, who have flown under the radar a little in France but produced a show of force in the semi-final as they blew away Argentina in a 44-6 victory.

That leaves both South Africa and New Zealand chasing history - with the winner set to become the first team ever to win four World Cups.

But who should be the favourites? We take a look with the help of the World Rugby rankings.

RadioTimes.com brings you the top five rugby teams in the world in 2023.

Read more RWC guides and explainers: Rugby World Cup TV coverage | Rugby World Cup radio coverage | Rugby World Cup presenters and commentators | Bonus points explained | Who has won most RWC titles?

5. England (83.72)

England were heavily written off in the build-up to the 2023 tournament but did their nation proud by coming within minutes of the World Cup final in what was their best performance under Borthwick to date.

That heartbreaking defeat to the Boks will have been hard to stoumach but they can vent their frustration in the best way possible on Friday as they take on Argentina in the bronze medal match.

The fifth-ranked team in world rugby will want to use Saturday's display as a foundation for future success but will have to adapt to the retirement of some stalwarts in the likes of Courtney Lawes and Ben Youngs.

4. France (87.81)

The 2023 World Cup will not have the dream ending for hosts France, who know exactly how England feel after having their dreams shattered by the Boks in the quarter-finals.

It will offer little solace to Antoine Dupont and his teammates that their exit came courtesy of one of the great games of World Cup rugby. They now have to use this disappointment as fuel.

For the French, the wait goes on.

3. Ireland (90.57)

Ireland's wait for a first World Cup win goes on, as well, after their heartbreaking defeat to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.

When Zombie was ringing out after their pool stage victory over South Africa, it really did feel like this could be their year, but - as so many great teams have before them - they were undone by the All Blacks.

Jonny Sexton has retired and some other mainstays are expected to follow, which makes it all the more important the world's third-ranked team tie coach Andy Farrell down.

2. New Zealand (90.91)

They didn't arrive in France with the usual hype, but New Zealand had quietly gone about their business ahead of eye-catching knock-out victories over Ireland and Argentina.

Those performances and results were timely reminders that you really can never write off the All Blacks and though they may sit below them in the rankings, they'll back themselves to beat the Boks and win a record fourth World Cup on Saturday.

1. South Africa (92.48)

It's hard to argue with the reigning world champions topping the rankings.

Their narrow victory against England on Saturday was more evidence that whatever is thrown at them, they can always find a way to win.

New Zealand will be a very different challenge but the world's number one side will be the slight favourites as they look to do something no other team has done - get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time.

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