Our team regularly work with rugby talent across New Zealand and Australia, here's their preview...

Nicole Antonelli, Talent & Activations Manager says:

Who are you backing to win the tournament and why?

The All Blacks (New Zealand) of course! They’re our national team and we have the privilege to work with many of the players and management so only right to be backing them all the way. After the coaching saga of 2022 with Ian Foster I would love to see him finish his time with the team on a high.

How are the All Blacks and Wallabies shaping up?

The All Blacks were riding a wave of unbeaten success in their preparations before being handed a record loss against South Africa two weeks out from Rugby World Cup. The team will refocus and how they come back from this loss will be integral to the campaign ahead and the Opening Match against France. The French will be hard to beat with a stadium full of passionate fans and both teams desperate for a win to open their campaign. It will feel like the Final of 2011 all over again and it will just be the beginning! 

The Wallabies haven’t had the sharpest campaign leading into the Cup but I would never underestimate their ability to handle pressure and perform when it counts. I think we will see them easily make a Semi-Final and no doubt some entertaining media interactions with Eddie Jones along the way.

Which tier 2 nations are you expecting to over-achieve?

I would be keeping my eye on Fiji and Japan.

Which players will have a breakout World Cup?

I’m looking forward to seeing Dalton Papali’i at his first Rugby World Cup with his physicality, leadership (and mo).  I also think Jordie Barrett could bring some magic in the backline too.

Sam Whitelock is 3 test caps short of becoming the new most-capped All Black in history - an incredible career milestone we will hopefully see him reach at his fourth Rugby World Cup.

Are there any good podcasts to keep on top of the World Cup developments?

Aotearoa Rugby Pod!

Kent Hale, Talent Manager says:

Who are you backing to win the tournament and why?     

Always the All Blacks!  But taking the eye patch off, France on home soil with a well-balanced team and game plan look like the real deal.  Ireland have been very strong and very consistent across this World Cup cycle and are immensely difficult to beat.  South Africa have a strong all-round squad and a game plan well suited to finals footy! ABs V France opening game and final?!

How are the All Blacks and Wallabies shaping up?              

Horribly!  The ABs suffered a record loss to the Springboks on the weekend and the Wallabies took a hammering from France! The ABs normally head into RWCs as strong favourites so not having that tag for once might allow them to fly under the radar a touch.  The Wallabies are on the right side of the draw so if they can build their game across the next 6 weeks, they then just need to win a semi and then final! 

Which tier 2 nations are you expecting to over-achieve?  

Fiji beat England for the first time on the weekend so will be looking to continue that form in Pool C where if they can beat Wales or the Wallabies will make the quarter finals for the first time since 2007.  In Pool D Japan ands Samoa will be looking to upset heavy weights England Argentina!  With some tweaks to the eligibility laws the Pacific Island Nations have never been stronger so expect all three teams to provide some great action and upset the bigger more fancied nations!!

Which players will have a breakout World Cup?  

It’s hard to go past the Barrett brothers with the ABs!  All three should be starting for the ABs and all three are World class in their respective positions and will be desperate to perform and win a RWC together.  

Are there any good podcasts to keep on top of the World Cup developments? 

The Good the Bad and the Rugby is very good! There is an Aussie and UK version!