The 10th edition of the Rugby World Cup will kick-off on Friday night when the hosts welcome the All-Blacks to Stade de France (RTE2 8:15pm). Ireland’s own tournament gets underway the following afternoon in Bordeaux as Andy Farrell’s men take on underdogs Romania. Tonga are next up in Nantes a week later, before the probable pool decider against the Springboks in Paris on Saturday 23rd September. The final pool game is once again at the Stade de France two weeks later against Six Nations rivals Scotland.
Ireland Grand Slam Champions 2023
Ireland have never entered a World Cup tournament in such a promising position. The grand slam was secured with a victory over England at Lansdowne Road on the 18th of March. They are the number one ranked side in the world and are unbeaten in 13 matches. Despite all that, there is a nagging feeling that our quarter-final curse will strike again. As a nation our track record at the sports premier tournament is unfortunately one of underachievement.
In this series, I’ll take a look back at Ireland’s track record at the previous nine tournaments. For the sake of context, I’ll first take a look at why the sport took so long to organise a global tournament. Over a hundred years passed from the formation of the International game until the first World Cup was held in Australia in 1987.
Then in the following nine parts, I’ll go tournament by tournament looking at each from an Irish perspective.
Smilla Soenderby won the KPMG Women's Irish Open at Dromoland Castle. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
Smilla Soenderby won the KPMG Women’s Irish Open in dramatic fashion at Dromoland Castle on Sunday evening.
Having shot an incredible final round of 62, the Dane found herself in a play-off with Sweden’s Lisa Pettersson, who carded a final round of 68, and third-round leader Anna van Dam from the Netherlands, who shot a 71 on Sunday.
With the play-off on the 18th hole, Petterson found herself just off the green. Van Dam was nicely placed on the green before an excellent shot from Soenderby left her with an opportunity for an eagle.
The 23-year-old Dane achieved an eagle, and with her two opponents failing to match her, Soenderby claimed her first Ladies European Tour victory.
Leona Maguire finished best of the Irish players in joint-14th place. Her 71 left her eight shots off the winning score.
Despite some early birdies in her final round, the Cavan golfer could never quite breach the gap between herself and the top of the leaderboard.
Sarah Byrne was the leading amateur, four shots behind Maguire. The Douglas golfer signed for a 70 on Sunday. Beth Coulter was a shot behind, having carded a 71.
A disappointing 75 for Olivia Mehaffy in her final round saw her finish on one-under for the tournament, the same score as Kate Lanigan.
Betting Preview for the 2023 Rugby World Cup: Top Seeds Ireland Face Tough Challenge
As the highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup approaches, fans and sports enthusiasts are eagerly analyzing the odds and placing their bets on the teams that they believe will emerge victorious. With Ireland leading the pack as World Number one, expectations are high.
However, their path to glory is laden with challenges, including a difficult group stage and the prospect of facing formidable opponents in the knockout stages including France/New Zealand.
In this betting preview, we will delve into the odds and prospects of the teams vying for rugby’s ultimate prize.
Outright Betting 2023 Rugby World Cup:
The outright betting odds for the 2023 Rugby World Cup reveal a closely contested competition, with several strong contenders in the mix.
The current favorites, New Zealand and France, both stand at 5/2 odds, reflecting the strength of these rugby powerhouses.
Following closely are reigning champions South Africa at 9/2, while Ireland, despite their World Number one status sit at 5/1 odds.
England and Australia are also within striking distance, with odds of 7/1 and 8/1, respectively.
Meanwhile, Argentina, Scotland, Wales, Fiji, and others face more challenging odds and can be backed at huge prices.
Group Stage Predictions:
Group A:
In Group A, hosts France (8/11) and perennial favorites New Zealand (even money) are expected to dominate. Both teams possess exceptional talent and a rich history of success, making this group a battleground for rugby supremacy. Their clash will likely determine the group winner, with the runner-up facing a challenging knockout match.
Group B:
Group B features the top-seeded Ireland (5/6), reigning champions South Africa (5/4), and Scotland (7/1). Ireland will face a stiff challenge from the Springboks, who are renowned for their physicality and strategic prowess. Scotland, although considered underdogs, cannot be underestimated. This group promises fierce competition and unpredictable outcomes. Johnny Sexton will hopefully be fit for the group matches
Johnny sexton
Group C:
Australia (3/10) enters Group C as the clear favorite, with their formidable team and impressive track record. Wales (5/2) poses a credible threat, possessing a well-rounded squad capable of causing upsets. Fiji (16/1) may prove to be a wild card, capable of surprising opponents with their flair and attacking style.
Group D:
Group D is headlined by England (1/3), the 2003 Rugby World Cup champions, who are favored to progress comfortably. Argentina (5/2) will be their primary challenger, armed with a talented squad that has shown flashes of brilliance. Japan (20/1) and other teams in the group face an uphill battle to secure qualification. Tonga at 66/1 could be the huge shock of the tournament.
Betting Advice
England look the value bet coming from the easier side of the draw at 7/1 but a small bet on their group opponents Tonga at 66/1 to top ground could be huge value.
We have video highlights of the biggest teenage sensation in World football. Evan Ferguson’s hat trick.
Teenager Evan Ferguson scored a hat-trick to demonstrate his remarkable potential and help Brighton lay down a marker for another special Premier League season as they outgunned Newcastle.
Both sides discovered their European groups this week after overachieving last term – and Albion look far better placed than the Magpies to challenge near the top this time round.
Republic of Ireland striker Ferguson pounced from close range after goalkeeper Nick Pope had spilled Billy Gilmour’s long-range effort.
The 18-year-old curled home a beauty from 25 yards to make it 2-0 – and then hit another, via a huge Fabian Schar deflection, for his 10th Premier League goal and his first hat-trick.
He becomes only the fourth player to score a Premier League hat-trick before their 19th birthday after Chris Bart-Williams, Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.
Newcastle’s first shot on target did not come until the 87th minute and they scored with their second, as Callum Wilson chased down a long ball to fire home in injury time. However, it was far too late to threaten any comeback.
Leona Maguire is the leading Irish player at the KPMG Women's Irish Open, but is eight shots off the leader. Credit: Breandán Ó hUallacháin.
The Irish challenge faltered at the KPMG Irish Open at Dromoland Castle on Saturday as Dutch golfer Anne van Dam opened up a three-stroke lead.
Van Dam carded her second round of 66 to give her the clubhouse lead at the end of the third round. She sits on 15 under par, three strokes ahead of Lisa Pettersson from Sweden.
The Swede signed for her best round of the tournament so far, a 67, and is 12 under par, once shot ahead of England’s Alice Hewson (68 today) and Diksha Dagar from India (71 today).
Cavan’s Leona Maguire is best of the home players, having matched Friday’s round of 69. Maguire claimed birdies at 6, 11, 15 and 16, but crucially dropped a shot on the final hole, a par five. She now lies eight shots behind the leader Anne van Dam.
Banbridge’s Olivia Mehaffy is in 30th position overall heading into the final day. The Arizona State University graduate shot a 72 today, her worst score of the tournament, and is now on four under par, three shots behind Leona Maguire and 11 off the leader.
Beth Colter shot 72 on Saturday and is two under, the same score as Sara Byrne, who signed for a 69 this afternoon.
Kate Lanigan had a round of 74 for a one under par tournament total, while a 76 for Emma Fleming sees her on five over par.
Michael Duffy and Cinca 3 in action during the FEI European Show Jumping Championships. Image provided by Horse Sport Ireland.
The Irish Show Jumping team won a silver medal in the team final of the FEI Jumping European Championship in Milano, Italy, this afternoon.
Michael Blake’s team of Michael Duffy, Trevor Breen, Shane Sweetnam and Eoin McMahon headed into the team final with less than a time fault separating the top four nations.
Germany held the lead following the first two days of jumping on a score of 9.31, Sweden were second on 9.51 and Switzerland next on 9.92. The Irish team was just outside of the top three on 10.00 with over a fence in hand ahead of Austria in fifth place.
Clear for Michael Duffy and Cinca 3
Galway’s Michael Duffy was first into the arena for Ireland, riding the 14-year-old grey mare Cinca 3. This combination had jumped two clear rounds on Wednesday and Thursday.
This excellent form continued as they again went clear to give Ireland a brilliant start.
Germany’s first line rider Marcus Ehning withdrew from competition, while the final fence fell for Sweden’s Henrik von Eckermann. A clear round from Steve Guerdat got Switzerland off to a strong start.
Trevor Breen and Highland President
Trevor Breen was next in for Ireland with Highland President. The Tipperary rider and the 11-year-old gelding were unlucky to roll the final part of the combination, but the result was enough to help move Ireland up to third spot overall.
At the half way stage Ireland were in bronze medal position as Germany dropped to fourth following a fence down for Philipp Weishaupt.
Sweden moved to top spot with a clear from Wilma Hellström, while Switzerland held second though they had two fences down from Bryan Balsiger.
Four faults for Shane Sweetnam and James Kann Cruz
Cork’s Shane Sweetnam and the Irish Sport Horse James Kann Cruz were unlucky to add four faults as Sweden extended their lead with a Jens Fredricson clear.
Despite the four faults from Sweetnam, Ireland actually moved into the silver medal position on a score of 14. Switzerland’s third rider, Edouard Schmitz, had three fences down, forcing them to count Balsiger’s eight faults and putting the Swiss on a team score of 17.92.
Ireland move into silver medal position
Tipperary’s Eoin McMahon and the 11-year-old grey mare Mila had one fence down, leaving Ireland on 18 faults in third place.
Switzerland’s Martin Fuchs needed to jump clear to hold onto the silver medal, but eight faults from the Swiss saw Michael Blake’s Ireland side move up to second.
Sweden claimed the gold medal and European title on a team score of 9.51, with three of their four riders jumping clear. Ireland took silver with Austria third, ahead of Germany in fourth and Spain in fifth.
Liverpool recently received and declined an initial substantial offer from Al-Ittihad for their star player, Mohamed Salah.
The offer amounted to £100 million, with the potential to escalate to an impressive £150 million when considering additional add-ons.
Mike Gordon’s Response and Liverpool’s Firm Stand
This proposal was conveyed to Mike Gordon, who serves as the president of Liverpool’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group, during a phone call on a Thursday night. Gordon promptly rejected the offer and reiterated Liverpool’s unwavering stance that Salah is not available for transfer.
Al-Ittihad’s Ongoing Pursuit
Despite the rejection, it is expected that Al-Ittihad will persist in their pursuit of the Egyptian international. Their efforts are likely to continue until the conclusion of the Saudi transfer window later this month.
Salah’s Contract and Commitment to Liverpool
Notably, Mohamed Salah, at the age of 31, still has two years remaining on his contract, which was extended to a lucrative £350,000 per week just last year. His agent, Ramy Abbas, has been vocal in asserting that this contract renewal would not have occurred if Salah had any intentions of leaving. It underscores Salah’s steadfast commitment to Liverpool.
Jürgen Klopp’s Response and Concerns
Liverpool’s manager, Jürgen Klopp, addressed the situation on Friday morning. He claimed to be unaware of any bids for his star forward but acknowledged the gravity of the threat posed by the Saudi Pro League to the European transfer market.
Klopp also highlighted the recent departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to the Middle East due to lucrative offers this summer. He expressed concerns about the evolving landscape of football transfers and suggested that governing bodies like Uefa or Fifa should closely monitor these developments to protect the integrity of the sport.
“We are still a bit surprised by the activity from Saudi Arabia. I don’t know where it will lead to but it feels rather like a threat or a concern than not. I don’t see how we really deny it. The difference in contracts is so big it will cause conflict 100%.”
Former Republic of Ireland manager, Vera Pauw, has expressed strong criticism of the FAI’s review process, which ultimately led to the decision not to renew her contract for the World Cup qualification campaign.
Allegations of Staff Discontent
During an interview on RTÉ Radio’s News at One, Pauw also revealed that some of her staff members had turned against her during the final weeks of her tenure.
Communication Breakdown
Pauw emphasized that the situation could have been avoided if the FAI had informed her about their non-renewal decision prior to the World Cup. She felt that events were unfolding behind her back, without her knowledge.
Flaws in the FAI Review
Pauw did not hold back in her criticism of the FAI review, describing it as “highly flawed” and pointing out unsettling developments that she discovered happening behind the scenes, including within her own staff.
No Bad Blood with Katie McCabe
Despite an on-field dispute with team captain Katie McCabe during the Nigeria match in Brisbane, Pauw emphasized that there was no lasting animosity between them.
“We’ve spoken for over an hour with each other. We are absolutely fine with each other. I’ve seen a lot on Twitter regarding Katie. I hope that stops now. It’s a young woman that made a mistake. I’ve made mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes. She should not be held accountable. I love Katie. Without spark no fire. And without fire no performance. Katie gives us so much. No hard feelings to her at all.”
Richie Hogan, Renowned Hurler with 7 All-Ireland Medals, Announces Retirement
After an illustrious career marked by seven All-Ireland hurling medals achieved with Kilkenny, Richie Hogan has officially retired from intercounty hurling at the age of 35.
A four-time All-Star recipient and the Hurler of the Year in 2014, Hogan’s remarkable journey also includes securing an impressive 12 Leinster Senior Hurling Championship titles throughout his celebrated tenure.
“To the people of Kilkenny, thank you for everything. I always think of how lucky I was to be born into a county where my obsession with hurling was equally matched by everyone in our great city,” Hogan said in his retirement statement.
“I am incredibly grateful for the support you have given me through both good and challenging times on the pitch. My body has tried to call time on my career many times over the past few years;but my mind always convinced me that the call to represent you was always greater.”
In a thrilling draw that had football fans around the world on the edge of their seats, the stage is now set for Liverpool and debutants Brighton & Hove Albion in the upcoming Europa League group stage. As the anticipation builds, let’s take a closer look at the groups and the challenges each team will face in their quest for European glory.
Liverpool’s Quest in Group E:
Liverpool, a club with a rich history in European competitions, finds themselves in Group E. Their opponents: LASK, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Toulouse. With three Europa League trophies already in their cabinet, Liverpool is undoubtedly the favorite to top this group. The action begins on September 21st, and fans can’t wait to see the Reds in action once again.
Brighton’s Debut: A Tough Initiation:
For Brighton & Hove Albion, this marks their debut in European competition. The Seagulls have been drawn into Group B, which includes former champions Ajax Amsterdam, three-time finalists Olympique de Marseille, and Greek champions AEK Athens. Brighton faces a formidable challenge, and their journey in Europe begins with high stakes.
Other Notable Groups and Contenders:
The intrigue doesn’t end there. Europa Conference League champions West Ham United find themselves in Group A alongside Olympiacos, Freiburg, and TSC Backa Topola. Meanwhile, last season’s runners-up AS Roma are set to face Slavia Prague, Sheriff Tiraspol, and Servette in Group G. In Group H, 1988 winners Bayer Leverkusen of Germany prepare to take on Qarabag, Molde FK, and BK Hacken.
The Road to Round of 16:
As the competition intensifies, remember that the winners of each group will secure a direct ticket to the round of 16, scheduled for February onwards. Group runners-up, on the other hand, will face the playoff round, where they will meet one of the eight teams that have finished third in their groups in the top-tier Champions League.
Europa Conference League Challenges:
The intrigue isn’t limited to the Europa League. Aston Villa, after a 13-year European hiatus, has been drawn into Group E of the Europa Conference League. They will face AZ Alkmaar, Legia Warsaw, and Zrinjski, and the Premier League club is eager to make their mark in this competition. Aberdeen, the only other British club in the Europa Conference League group stage, has been drawn in Group G alongside Eintracht Frankfurt, PAOK Athens, and Helsinki, after a challenging qualifier.
**Conclusion:**
With the paths laid out and the excitement building, the journey through the Europa League and Europa Conference League promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions for football fans. The Aviva Stadium in Dublin eagerly awaits the final showdown on May 22nd, 2023. For Liverpool, Brighton, and the other contenders, the dream of European glory is alive and well, and the stage is set for a season of unforgettable moments.
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