After the opening match between France and New Zealand, the duel between the Irish and the South Africans represents another “final before its time” on Saturday.
It’s undoubtedly what’s best in rugby today. With this poster between South Africa, reigning world champion, and Ireland, current world number one, these are two contenders for the planetary crown who face each other, Saturday September 23 at the Stade de France (9 p.m.) . A first duel in the history of the World Cup between these two major nations. Before this poster, two other meetings will be of great interest to this day.
2 p.m.: Georgia – Portugal (M6)
A week after offering good resistance to Wales (finally defeated 28-8), the Portuguese are offered a challenge more within their reach, but nevertheless major. Because for the second match of their second World Cup, in this group C, Patrice Lagisquet’s players face Georgia and its men experienced in high-level matches and who took time before giving in against Australia (35- 15). “I expect a big fight, a tough battle”, warned the French technician. For their sixth consecutive World Cup, the Georgians, who have won at least one match in the last four editions, will try to impose their power, and in particular that of their pack.
5:45 p.m.: England – Chile (M6)
In an extremely open Group D, the English have a huge card to play. After two successes, against Argentina and Japan, Steve Borthwick’s men have the opportunity to widen a gap which would be almost permanent. To achieve this, they find their leader, Owen Farrell, who served his two match suspension after a dangerous tackle in a preparation match. One more asset which allows George Ford to rest, just like most of the holders. The Chileans, despite their valor, are still looking for a first success in their first World Cup. This XV de la Rose “bis” is not ready to become the first victim.
9 p.m.: South Africa – Ireland (TF1)
The reigning world champion team against the world number one team, what’s better? This is the poster proposed on Saturday with the South Africans determined to win a fourth world title and the Irish who aspire to finally play in a World Cup semi-final, and even lift the Webb-Ellis trophy. A fight of titans on the program to practically secure first place in this group B, which will have the “bad luck” to cross in the quarter-finals with group A of France and New Zealand. “It’s not an obligatory victory, it’s not a decisive match, but it’s quite important for both teams, let’s put it like that”, summarized England’s Ireland coach Andy Farrell. At stake: prestige, but above all trust and a way to make an impression.