Ones to watch.

The 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off in less than a month with France set to host – and we simply cannot wait for it to get underway.

It promises to be one of the most competitive tournaments in history, with a number of top nations in contention to lift the famous Webb Ellis Cup.

But it appears three nations are out in front in terms of going all the way, according to the stat experts, Opta.

They’ve crunched the numbers and reckon France, New Zealand, and Ireland are the three big favourites to lift the trophy. The All Blacks have won the Rugby World Cup on three separate occasions, but hosts, France, and the number one ranked team in the world, Ireland, are yet to taste victory on the world’s stage.

What do you think? Does this look accurate to you? Reigning champions South Africa might have a thing or two to say…