Rugby World Cup 2023 LIVE: Latest updates ahead of opening clash between France and New Zealand

The Rugby World Cup is here with excitement building ahead of this evening’s opening fixture.

It should be a thrilling curtain raiser in Paris, with hosts France taking on New Zealand in an early clash of contenders.

Both sides are dealing with injury issues but the encounter could offer a chance for either side to lay down an opening night statement of intent.

England, meanwhile, kick their tournament off on Saturday, with Steve Borthwick producing a first line-up containing a number of surprise selections. They face Argentina, with both sides due to speak at the Stade Velodrome on match eve.

Scotland are also in Marseille, with Gregor Townsend ready to name his team later on Friday. South Africa confirmed their squad earlier in the week for a vital first encounter in a competitive Pool B.

Follow all the latest updates from the Rugby World Cup below:

Rugby World Cup news

• France and New Zealand kick off the tournament at the Stade de France tonight (8.15pm BST kick off)

• Darcy Graham fit to start for Scotland against South Africa

• Alex Mitchell selection hints at England’s need for speed against Argentina

• Rugby World Cup power rankings

Rugby World Cup brings timely boost to under-fire sport – and France is the ideal host nation

17:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

World Cup brings timely boost to rugby – and why France is the ideal host

Why this Rugby World Cup feels different for the vulnerable All Blacks

17:00 , Luke Baker in Paris

It’s a Rugby World Cup and New Zealand are favourites with the bookies – on the surface, you’d say that some things never change. But this time, it feels different.

Last summer, the All Blacks were in crisis. Well, the closest thing to crisis that this planet’s greatest rugby nation can be, even if the likes of England and Wales could probably still teach them a thing or two about genuine catastrophe.

Defeats to Ireland and France in autumn 2021 could perhaps be explained away by how tricky it is to go to the northern hemisphere and win against the best of the Six Nations but a first home Test series loss since 1994 in July 2022, as Ireland historically triumphed 2-1, set the alarm bells ringing. A then-heaviest defeat to South Africa for 94 years to begin the Rugby Championship left the previously mighty All Blacks on a streak of five losses in six games and down to a record-low fifth in the world rankings.

Why this Rugby World Cup feels different for the vulnerable All Blacks

Antoine Dupont has the answer to France pressure as face of Rugby World Cup

16:45 , Luke Baker in Paris

The more of France you watch, the more you realise – this is Antoine Dupont’s world and we’re all just living in it.

Dupont has a skillset that is unique among not only scrum halves but all rugby players. The vision and distribution that any world-class No 9 has is married with a sniping acceleration and fleetness of foot up there with the best wingers in the world.

A low centre of gravity gives him the strength of a bowling ball skittling defenders and means he is seemingly impervious to the disruptive influence of opposition flankers lurking around the ruck.

Antoine Dupont has the answer to France pressure as face of World Cup

Alex Mitchell selection hints at England’s need for speed against Argentina

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle in Marseille

For Alex Mitchell, it’s been a rollercoaster couple of months. When the scrum half was cut from Steve Borthwick’s wider England training squad at the end of June, it looked like his World Cup dreams had been dashed. Mitchell began to contemplate a start of the season with Northampton and a watching tournament brief.

But an injury to Jack van Poortvliet opened the door, and Mitchell, true to form, darted through it. One of England’s only bright spots on an otherwise gloomy day against Fiji, Mitchell has earned himself the starting nine shirt for England’s tournament opener against Argentina in Marseille.

The Saints scrum half has arguably been the form nine, a free thinking sprite with the ability to challenge the line. “It is immense credit to [him],” Steve Borthwick said after naming his team on Thursday. “He was incredibly disappointed not to make the original 33-man squad.

Alex Mitchell selection hints at England’s need for speed against Argentina

James Ryan urges Ireland to begin Rugby World Cup with ‘real intent’

16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Vice-captain James Ryan insists Ireland must begin the Rugby World Cup with “real intent” if they have genuine aspirations of being crowned champions.

Andy Farrell’s side are out to substantiate their status as the top-ranked Test team and one of the pre-tournament favourites.

The Six Nations winners launch their campaign on Saturday afternoon against Pool B minnows Romania at a sold-out Stade de Bordeaux expected to be packed with Irish fans.

Leinster lock Ryan, who concedes Ireland were below their best in warm-up victories over Italy, England and Samoa, says his side are striving for a complete 80-minute performance.

“It’s definitely not about easing ourselves in,” said the 27-year-old. “If we’re going to take this competition seriously I don’t think you can ease yourself into any game.

“We’ve got to go in with the right mentality. Tomorrow is about playing with real intent and putting in a performance that we know we’re capable of.”

James Ryan urges Ireland to begin Rugby World Cup with ‘real intent’

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie on the excitement of playing South Africa

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We see that there is opportunity in certain things they do. If we execute, we should be able to exploit it. This is why we play the game. These are the moments that when you are a kid, all of us strive towards. It’s important you enjoy these moments because if you let it become fear, the moment gets away from you. Everyone is really looking forward to it - we aren’t paid to train, we are paid to play, and that’s what we all enjoy doing.”

Zander Fagerson on taking on South Africa’s scrum

15:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“They are definitely one of the best in the world. They pride themselves on that area. They are big men and they all push in the same direction.”

Jamie Ritchie on taking on South Africa

15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“We don’t play them that much so our preparation becomes pretty based on how they’ve played in the last few weeks. We’ve looked at them the same amount as any other team. There is no hiding the fact that they are the world champions, and they got there for a reason.”

Warren Gatland insists Wales are heat-proof before sweltering showdown with Fiji

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Warren Gatland has no doubt that Wales are fully conditioned for Bordeaux’s blistering heat as they aim to turn up the temeprature on Rugby World Cup opponents Fiji.

It is due to hit 36 degrees Celsius on Saturday, while not dropping much below 30 a day later despite a kick-off of 9pm local time.

Wales, though, look set to reap the benefits of punishing conditions at training camps in Switzerland and Turkey that formed a central part of their tournament warm-up.

Warren Gatland insists Wales are heat-proof before sweltering showdown with Fiji

Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie on the opening game against South Africa

15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Really excited. This is what we have been building up to for the last three months, and really since the Six Nations finished. We are all really excited to get going.

“Our motivation is completely internal. We have self belief and know that, if we perform on the day, we can beat everyone in the group. If we perform to the best of our ability we can win all the games in this pool.”

World Rugby confirm water breaks to be used on opening weekend of World Cup

15:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s positively scorchio in France, with temperatures up above 35 degrees in Paris today and not far short elsewhere. World Rugby have confirmed that water breaks will be used in all fixtures on the opening weekend, occuring midway through each half at a natural pause in play.

Rugby World Cup: Warren Gatland wary of ‘quality’ Fiji

15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“This is a quality Fijian side. All I can say is that we have prepared really well together these last few weeks. We’ve nailed down and we’ve spoken to the players and we are clear on how we want to attack and prepare defensively and what we want to try and do [with] a kick strategy and exit strategy. What we are trying to achieve in the breakdown.

“The players are focused, they are pretty clear. As coaches, I spoke to the coaches today about us not talking too much, not over-coaching and allowing the players to take responsibility for today and tomorrow. And I was pleased to see them do that. They look very clear in their own minds about what they want to achieve.”

Scotland and Lions legend Stuart Hogg joins The Independent for 2023 Rugby World Cup

14:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Scotland rugby legend Stuart Hogg will be part of The Independent’s team covering the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as he provides expert analysis of what promises to be a mouthwatering tournament in France.

Hogg will be giving his views on the seven-week tournament with a series of first-person columns, discussing both Scotland and all the other World Cup contenders as the action unfolds in Paris, Marseille, Lille and beyond.

His insight will be exclusively available to registered users and premium subscribers of The Independent. You can sign up for access here, and read his thoughts on the tournament below:

Stuart Hogg column: Scotland can cause a stir in wide open Rugby World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2023: We know who we are – Maro Itoje says England ready to unleash true ‘potential’

14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maro Itoje insists England are ready to show their true selves when they launch the Rugby World Cup with the toughest assignment of their group campaign against Argentina.

For the first time in the fixture’s 42 years England are underdogs on the basis of an alarming run that has produced five defeats in their last six Tests, including a first ever loss to Fiji.

The Pumas, meanwhile, have been acclaimed by Steve Borthwick as the best team to leave Argentinian shores and November’s 30-29 victory at Twickenham is still vivid in the memory.

England are struggling on multiple fronts – attack, defence, discipline, cohesion, confidence – and have plummeted to eighth in the global rankings, two places lower than Saturday’s opponents in Marseille.

“We know who we are. We know the type of players we have. We know the quality of coaches we have,” Itoje said.

“Yes we haven’t in recent times played as well as we can, but we know the potential of this group.

“And when you know the potential of this group and you know the attitude of the players and the coaches, it can only fill you with confidence.”

We know who we are – Maro Itoje says England ready to unleash true ‘potential’

Gregor Townsend on Stuart McInally joining the Scotland squad as hooker cover.

14:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Ewan Ashman and George Horne both had concussions. They’ve been ruled out for this weekend. It will be a 12 day turnaround minimum and we hope they recover fully in time ahead of Tonga.

“It’s obviously important that Stuart McInally came into the country just in case we have another injury at hooker. We have to have qualified players at a specialist position. There are certain rules he has to abide by and he is here as a precaution. We hope that Ewan makes a full recovery and we don’t have to make any changes to our squad.”

Gregor Townsend continues...

14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

[On Zander Fagerson, who hasn’t played in several weeks due to suspension] “Zander Fagerson is fresh. He’s trained really hard and we’ve scrummed a lot. Zander is very fit, his work is going to be close quarters, and I see it as a bonus that he has been able to do more fitness work. We did our best scrummaging session of the campaign on Wednesday, and that’s great.

“It’s an opportunity for us, that’s the way we look at it. There are big games in the World Cup and you have to play at your best to beat the big teams.

“Success would be delivering what we believe we are capable of. Doing that for longer periods. That’s attack, that’s defence, it’s managing when times go against you, it’s set piece, it’s leadership - all those things. We’ve got enough evidence over the last 12 months that we are able to do that. There will be time where South Africa have dominance and points on the board and we aren’t able to execute things as well as we’d like. But we’ve got to find a way to win and that is what this World Cup is about. Success is obviously winning.

“This group is capable of winning. We have belief in them. It’s a great opportunity for them to go out and do that.”

Gregor Townsend on Scotland’s selection for South Africa opener

14:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It’s been the team that has played, in the main, all year. A couple of players missed the Six Nations in Darcy Graham and Rory Darge, who are back fit. They’ve earned the right to play in such an important fixture in the way they’ve played and trained. We’ve built a lot of cohesion. Now it is about delivering our most complete game that we have done this year.

“The job of coaches and senior players is to be calm and calm others. But there is an expectation that it is going to be a very exciting occasion and build-up. I’m sure the players will feel that adrenaline as we get closer to kick off - that can be beneficial and give you extra energy.

“When we played France away, we said we had nothing to lose. We almost came away with the win. That mindset is a good one to have, but we also need the mindset that we are able to win. You’ve got to balance the underdog spirit with the mindset that we are here to win.”

Ireland have greatest chance to break Rugby World Cup curse but questions remain

14:05 , Luke Baker in Paris

Sporting curses are made to be broken. The Boston Red Sox broke the ‘curse of the Bambino’ in 2004 and the Chicago Cubs ended ‘the curse of the Billy Goat’ in 2016. Although they did take 86 and 108 years respectively.

And actually, despite reaching 11 GAA Football All-Ireland finals since they were put under the ‘curse of ‘51’, Mayo are still yet to reclaim the Sam Maguire Cup. In retrospect, maybe Ireland shouldn’t look too closely at other hexes ahead of this Rugby World Cup.

The fact that Ireland have never won a World Cup knockout match in their entire history – exiting at the quarter-final stage in seven of the nine editions, as well as in the quarter-final play-offs on one occasion (the 1999 World Cup was weird...) – is one of the most incredible hoodoos in sport.

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Australia (twice), France (twice), Argentina (twice), Wales or New Zealand standing in their way, the Irish simply cannot make it to the promised land of a semi-final. But surely this time is different? Surely…?

Ireland have greatest chance to break Rugby World Cup curse but questions remain

Topsy Ojo backs Steve Borthwick’s England to come good at World Cup

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Topsy Ojo has backed under-pressure England head coach Steve Borthwick to turn his side’s poor form around at the World Cup in France.

England have won just two of their nine fixtures in 2023 and will look to ignite their World Cup bid in their crucial opening Pool D fixture against Argentina on Saturday.

Former London Irish and England player Ojo acknowledged Borthwick’s side have not won enough games of late but insists they have the tools to create an upturn in form.

“There’s definitely a lot of pressure on him (Borthwick) at the minute,” Ojo told the PA news agency. “He’ll know that he’s not won enough games and the pressure comes down to how well this World Cup goes for him.

“If England don’t get out of the group then the pressure will increase tenfold and people will ask questions. I do (have faith in Borthwick and England), especially when I look at what he’s done as a coach and the playing group.”

Topsy Ojo backs Steve Borthwick’s England to come good at World Cup

Watch: Sam Warburton and Andy Goode answer your questions

13:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mike Catt: Ireland wing Mack Hansen’s dropping not due to disciplinary matter

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Assistant coach Mike Catt categorically denied Mack Hansen’s shock omission for Ireland’s Rugby World Cup opener against Romania is down to an internal disciplinary issue.

Australia-born wing Hansen has been among Ireland’s standout players amid their current 13-match winning run but was the only first-team regular left out of Saturday’s Pool B clash in Bordeaux.

Head coach Andy Farrell confirmed the 25-year-old is not injured when announcing his team on Thursday.

The Englishman then volunteered information about some members of his squad succumbing to off-field distractions when the team were based in Biarritz for their final warm-up game against Samoa in nearby Bayonne.

“The reason we went there is that there’s a lot of distraction that goes on, certainly when you’re in a hotel that’s on the beach,” Farrell said in answering a routine question about newer members of his squad not having World Cup baggage.

“Some people handled that brilliantly, some people didn’t.”

Farrell’s cryptic admission fuelled speculation in the wake of Hansen’s surprise non-selection.

Yet Catt insisted the Connacht player has not breached team rules.

“Good question really, it’s a long tournament first and foremost and it’s making sure that we look after everybody,” Catt replied when asked why Hansen has been left out.

“In the same breath there is good competition in that area too. There is nothing that Mack has done wrong. It’s not that he’s performed badly at all.

“He’s done exceptionally well in his pre-season games and like we say, it’s a long competition and we need to keep people fresh too.”

Mike Catt: Ireland wing Mack Hansen’s dropping not due to disciplinary matter

Rugby World Cup 2023: Jac Morgan on the challenge of Fiji

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jac Morgan, who captains Wales from the openside on Sunday, has also been speaking ahead of the Fiji fixture.

“I think there’s confidence in the team and if we get things right this weekend we can go far. I think for the moment we have got to [focus] on Fiji on Sunday and we’ve just got to take each game as they come.

“We know as a group [what to stick to]. We are looking forward to this weekend and try and get a result and whatever comes from it, comes from it.”

Fit-again Taulupe Faletau named in Wales’ team for World Cup opener with Fiji

Rugby World Cup 2023: Simon Raiwalui denies Fiji are favourites for Wales game

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fiji’s opening weekend encounter with Wales could yet prove to be a quarter-final play-in fixture in a competitive Pool C, with the Pacific Islanders win over England at Twickenham evidencing their development over the last couple of years into a side that look like genuine last eight contenders. The Flying Fijians knocked out Wales the last time a men’s World Cup was hosted in France, but head coach Simon Raiwalui has denied his team should be considered favourites for Sunday’s meeting in Bordeaux.

“When could we ever be called favourites when we’re considered a developing country versus a developed country, resources and those sort of things,” Raiwalui said. “We’re confident with our preparation, with our group. We never go in thinking we’re favourites to win, we’re humble.

“We go into this game obviously humble, we’ve worked hard throughout the eight-week (warm-up) campaign, and our focus has always been one week at time, what’s the next challenge, what have we got coming up this weekend. We’ve been working towards this point, so we’re totally focused on this game and nothing past this game. We understand Wales is a very good team, they’ve got a lot of experience so we understand the challenge and we’re looking forward to it.

“I think they’ll come in very well prepared, they’ll be tactically astute, they’ll be looking at things they can attack us with. They obviously have a very good tactical game, kick and chase, the set-piece, so they’ll be looking to put pressure on some of those areas. But we’re a different Fijian team, we’ve worked on certain areas that have traditionally been a weakness for us so it’s going to be a good challenge in those areas.

“One of my catchphrases is play like a Fijian, so traditionally that’s the offloading, the quick touch, the one touch, aggressive ball carriers, the contact, our set-piece. So that’s what I’ve really pushed, to play like a Fijian.”

Rugby World Cup 2023: Chile announce squad to play Japan

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pablo Lemoine has named his Chile side to face Japan on Sunday as the South Americans prepare to make their World Cup debut. Flanker Martin Sigren, who spent last season with Doncaster in the Championship, captains a squad that will look to fly half Rodrigo Fernandez to provide creativity, while the versatile Santiago Videla is deployed on the right wing.

1 Javier Carrasco 2 Diego Escobar 3 Matias Dittus4 Clemente Saavedra 5 Javier Eissmann 6 Martín Sigren (c) 7 Raimundo Martínez 8 Alfonso Escobar 9 Marcelo Torrealba 10 Rodrigo Fernandez 11 Franco Velarde 12 Matias Garafulic 13 Domingo Saavedra 14 Santiago Videla 15 Inaki Ayarza

Replacements:16 Augusto Bohme 17 Salvador Lues 18 Inaki Gurruchaga 19 Pablo Huete 20 Santiago Pedrero 21 Ignacio Silva 22 Lukas Carvallo 23 José Ignacio Larenas

Rugby World Cup predictions

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Antoine Dupont to star? England to struggle? Will Jordan to top the try scoring charts? Luke Baker and I have put together our pre-tournament predictions:

Rugby World Cup predictions: Winner, top try scorer, surprise package and more

Watch: England rugby artwork unveiled at the Louvre ahead of tournament start

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Japan head coach Jamie Joseph has named his match-day 23 to face Chile in Toulouse on Sunday, with back row Michael Leitch set to play in his fourth World Cup. Kazuki Himeno captains a starting side that contains nine survivors from Japan’s home tournament four years ago, with Amato Fakatava fit to start having initially been left out of Joseph’s squad due to fitness concerns.

1 Keita Inagaki 2 Atsushi Sakate 3 Jiwon Gu 4 Jack Cornelsen 5 Amato Fakatava 6 Michael Leitch 7 Kanji Shimokawa 8 Kazuki Himeno (c) 9 Yutaka Nagare 10 Rikiya Matsuda 11 Jone Naikabula 12 Ryoto Nakamura 13 Dylan Riley 14 Kotaro Matsushima 15 Semisi Masirewa

Replacements:16 Shota Horie 17 Craig Millar 18 Asaeli Ai Valu 19 Warner Dearns 20 Shota Fukui 21 Naoto Saito 22 Tomoki Osada 23 Lomano Lemeki

Team news: Scotland name side to face South Africa

12:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Darcy Graham is fit to start for Scotland against South Africa, with Gregor Townsend able to name a full strength side. Rory Darge and Jack Dempsey join captain Jamie Ritchie in the back row, with Zander Fagerson back available after suspension to take the starting tighthead shirt.

15. Blair Kinghorn (Edinburgh Rugby) 46 caps

14. Darcy Graham (Edinburgh Rugby) 35 caps

13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors) 39 caps

12. Sione Tuipulotu (Glasgow Warriors) 19 caps

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Edinburgh Rugby) 31 caps

10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby) - Vice-captain - 72 caps

9. Ben White (Toulon) 16 caps

1. Pierre Schoeman (Edinburgh Rugby) 23 caps

2. George Turner (Glasgow Warriors) 37 caps

3. Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 59 caps

4. Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors) 75 caps

5. Grant Gilchrist (Edinburgh Rugby) - Vice-captain - 65 caps

6. Jamie Ritchie (Edinburgh Rugby) - Captain - 43 caps

7. Rory Darge (Glasgow Warriors) 11 caps

8. Jack Dempsey (Glasgow Warriors) 12 caps

Replacements

16. Dave Cherry (Edinburgh Rugby) 10 caps

17. Jamie Bhatti (Glasgow Warriors) 32 caps

18. WP Nel (Edinburgh Rugby) 57 caps

19. Scott Cummings (Glasgow Warriors) 29 caps

20. Matt Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors) 36 caps

21. Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors) 63 caps

22. Cameron Redpath (Bath Rugby) 7 caps

23. Ollie Smith (Glasgow Warriors) 6 caps

Rugby World Cup 2023: England attack coach Richard Wigglesworth on the challenge Argentina pose

12:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Attack coach Richard Wigglesworth was one of the voices from England camp up in front of the media this morning, offering his thoughts on the eve of their tournament getting underway. Wigglesworth both coached and was captained by Pumas hooker Julian Montoya at Leicester, and describes him as the “heartbeat” of this Argentina side.

“We have spent an incredible amount of time studying Argentina,” Wigglesworth said. “I know a couple of their players very well, I know their captain Julian Montoya very well - as good a player as there is in world rugby right now.

“Incredible leader, wants to win, gets people around him galvanised. You can see the heartbeat of their team is him. We’ve spoken a lot about what they bring and how they do it because that is what you do against any team.”

What is the TMO Bunker and how will the foul play process work at the Rugby World Cup?

11:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The 2023 Rugby World Cup will see a revamped foul play process in place, with the introduction of the “TMO bunker” system at the tournament for the first time.

The introduction follows a number of World Rugby trials during the course of the last year, including the Summer Nations Series and Rugby Championship.

The “bunker” system is designed to improve accuracy of decision making and avoid significant disruptions to the flow of games, and has already been utilised in a couple of high profile moments ahead of the World Cup.

England captain Owen Farrell’s sending off against Wales at Twickenham was awarded after the on-field referee, Nika Amashukeli, placed the incident on review.

So how does the “bunker” system work? Here’s everything you need to know:

What is the TMO Bunker and how will it work at the Rugby World Cup?

Eddie Jones brings noise and unpredictability – but also gives Australia a proven route to success

11:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Few would have expected a quiet ride to the World Cup when Australia rehired Eddie Jones in January, but even by his headline-a-minute standards, these last few months have felt particularly rich in debate and drama.

Call it the increasingly outdated approach of a populist pretender clinging to a final chance at glory, or the masterful manoeuvres of a veteran schemer successfully taking the attention off his struggling side, but since his return to Sydney as Dave Rennie’s replacement, Jones has most certainly played the hits.

There was the jettisoning from the most inexperienced Australia squad in recent memory of Michael Hooper, presumed skipper, and Quade Cooper. There was the talking up of uncapped flanker Josh Kemeny as a potential wing option. There was the eve-of-tournament departure of attack coach Brad Davis, which brought about the “worst press conference ever” (Jones, 2023), where Australia’s head coach told journalists to give themselves “uppercuts” in his final press engagement before departing for the World Cup.

Eddie Jones brings noise - but also gives Australia a proven route to success

Evolved South Africa side bid to retain Rugby World Cup – but one factor might prevent them

11:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Springboks are confident that they can defend their crown - but could a gruelling schedule stop them?

Evolved South Africa can retain World Cup – but one factor might prevent them

Rugby World Cup 2023: Jacques Nienaber on South Africa’s selection

11:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

South Africa were meant to be announcing their team this morning, but World Rugby granted the Springboks permission to stray from the intended schedule given their preference for showing their hand as early as possible. Head coach Jacques Nienaber has been in front of a microphone at their Toulon training base this morning explaining that decision.

“We announce our team very early in the week. The players know on the Monday already and we would probably like to announce it on a Monday if we could but unfortunately my personal programme on a Monday is just too busy.

“We get it out as quickly as possible. We don’t believe that it has any bearing on people knowing the team or not knowing the team.

“If you look at Chasing the Sun (a documentary) of the last World Cup, I don’t think there’s people who don’t know how we operate in the Springbok environment. We are as transparent as we can be.

“The local people here in Toulon have really embraced us as a team. When we go to the different training venues there’s hoots and waves and cheers. The people are incredible.

“A World Cup always has a vibe. When I was part of my first World Cup in 2011 in New Zealand, that’s the thing that blew me away, the whole excitement from the fans and the people streaming into the towns where you’re going to play.

“When we walked back from training on Thursday, there were South Africans sitting here in front, cheering. It’s nice to see the support flocking in and getting ready for the match. World Cups are always incredible.”

Rugby World Cup 2023 TV schedule: Channels, times and how to watch every fixture online

10:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is getting under way on Friday 8 September when hosts France take on much-fancied New Zealand in a mouth-watering opener in Paris.

A lop-sided draw means pools A and B are stacked with much of the world’s heavyweight nations and sees South Africa, Ireland and Scotland all fighting to qualify from the same group.

It also opens up a path for progress on the weaker side of the draw and means two of Wales, Australia, Fiji, England, Argentina and Japan are likely to reach the semi-finals.

Chile make their tournament debut after beating Canada and the USA in Americas qualifying, while Portugal are set to return to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Here is how to watch the tournament on TV in the UK – details of the knockout stages will be decided at a later date. Get all the Rugby World Cup odds here and the latest tips and odds on England vs Argentina here.

Rugby World Cup 2023 on TV: Channels, times and how to watch every fixture online

Rugby World Cup 2023: Fiji name team to face Wales

10:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fiji head coach Simon Raiwalui has named his match-day 23 to face Wales in Bordeaux on Sunday, with Teti Tela starting at fly-half in place of the injured Caleb Muntz. Dynamite flanker Levani Botia is only on the bench after injury, with Josua Tuisova also included among a power-packed group of replacements.

1 Eroni Mawi2 Samuel Matavesi3 Luke Tagi4 Isoa Nasilasila5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta6 Albert Tuisue7 Lekima Tagitagivalu8 Viliame Mata9 Frank Lomani10 Teti Tela11 Vinaya Habosi12 Semi Radradra13 Waisea Nayacalevu (c)14 Selesitino Ravutaumada15 Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements:16 Tevita Ikanivere17 Peni Ravai18 Mesake Doge19 Temo Mayanavanua20 Levani Botia21 Simione Kuruvoli22 Josua Tuisova23 Sireli Maqala

Toothless England look to leaders in search of unlikely Rugby World Cup triumph

10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is on a wing and a prayer that England will begin their Rugby World Cup. When Eddie Jones picked the youngest side to compete in a World Cup final four years ago in Yokohama, the thought was that the same group would be back again this time around, older, stronger, better, and ready for another title tilt.

The errors since that have left England in this parlous state, where progression from the pool cannot be deemed a certainty, are almost too numerous to catalogue.

Steve Borthwick’s side will begin their tournament without captain Owen Farrell and likely starting number eight Billy Vunipola, both suspended after high tackles. Jack van Poortvliet and Anthony Watson, two presumed backline starters, are absent, too, due to injury. In attack they remain toothless; in defence, porous - and the deep strife in which English rugby finds itself hardly suggests a buoyant rugby public ready to get behind their side.

Toothless England look to leaders in search of unlikely Rugby World Cup triumph

Steve Borthwick says England written off ‘too early’ ahead of World Cup

10:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Borthwick insists England are ready to defy gloomy predictions for their World Cup by delivering a reaction against Argentina in Saturday’s pivotal opener.

The Pumas are in the rare position of being assigned favourites for the main event of Pool D, based on a strong year under the guidance of Michael Cheika and their 30-29 victory at Twickenham in November.

England, meanwhile, have gone into freefall following a run of five defeats in six Tests that no longer makes qualification for the knockout phase appear to be the formality it once was.

Borthwick, who has named Alex Mitchell at scrum-half and Tom Curry at openside for the Marseille showdown, insists the low expectations have sent ripples of indignation through the squad.

“I sense there is a feeling among the players they’ve been written off too early. People have called time on them a bit too early,” England’s head coach said.

“I sense the frustration about what people have been saying about them and right now I have an expectation that they will go and perform with the quality that they have. I sense from them that there’s a real determination to go and put their best performances on the park.”

Steve Borthwick says England written off ‘too early’ ahead of World Cup

Rugby World Cup 2023: Alex Mitchell on his surprise start for England

10:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s starting scrum half has been speaking at the Stade Velodrome ahead of the opening fixture against Argentina.

“Obviously for me it has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Being out of the squad and then back in to get a shot tomorrow. It’s been a bit weird, but I’m very excited.

“It’s massive. As a kid, it’s the thing you dream of. To start in the first World Cup game is a massive honour. Hopefully we can get the result.

“It was a pretty positive conversation. There was a lot of competition in my position. I stayed fit, stayed ready and then got the call to come in.”

Rugby World Cup: Antoine Dupont has the answer to France pressure

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And as the home favourites sashay into the spotlight, Luke Baker looks at Antoine Dupont, almost indisputably the best player in the world and the face of this fabulous French side.

Antoine Dupont has the answer to France pressure as face of World Cup

Rugby World Cup: Why this tournament feels different for the vulnerable All Blacks

10:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Tonight’s opening fixture really is a doozy, two contenders going tete-a-tete at the earliest opportunity. Luke Baker, our man in Paris, explains why this World Cup feels different for the All Blacks.

Why this Rugby World Cup feels different for the vulnerable All Blacks

Rugby World Cup: Stuart Hogg joins The Independent as a columnist for the tournament

09:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Independent has got big World Cup team news to share: Scotland legend Stuart Hogg is onboard as a columnist for our premium section for the tournament! Centurion Hogg, his nation’s leading try scorer, will be providing exclusive insight into all of the action across the next eight weeks.

His column will be exclusively available to registered users and premium subscribers of The Independent. You can sign up for access here, and read his first column below:

Stuart Hogg column: Scotland can cause a stir in wide open Rugby World Cup

Alex Mitchell selection hints at England’s need for speed against Argentina

09:46 , Jack Rathborn

For Alex Mitchell, it’s been a rollercoaster couple of months. When the scrum half was cut from Steve Borthwick’s wider England training squad at the end of June, it looked like his World Cup dreams had been dashed. Mitchell began to contemplate a start of the season with Northampton and a watching tournament brief.

But an injury to Jack van Poortvliet opened the door, and Mitchell, true to form, darted through it. One of England’s only bright spots on an otherwise gloomy day against Fiji, Mitchell has earned himself the starting nine shirt for England’s tournament opener against Argentina in Marseille.

The Saints scrum half has arguably been the form nine, a free thinking sprite with the ability to challenge the line. “It is immense credit to [him],” Steve Borthwick said after naming his team on Thursday. “He was incredibly disappointed not to make the original 33-man squad.

Alex Mitchell selection hints at England’s need for speed against Argentina

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

09:39 , Jack Rathborn

The Rugby World Cup is almost upon us with the 20 competing teams descending on France ahead of the start of the tournament.

On the final weekend of a busy month of warm-up action, France and South Africa showcased their credentials as contenders with thrashings of Australia and New Zealand respectively, but England sunk further into the mire with a first-ever defeat to Fiji.

A lopsided draw sees the world’s top five nations in the men’s rankings all in one half of the draw, opening up a route to the semi-finals for two sides from Pool C and Pool D.

And with a number of nations outside of the traditional rugby powers developing quickly, it could yet be the most unpredictable and exciting tournament yet.

Here, The Independent assesses how every nation stacks up ahead of the World Cup.

Rugby World Cup power rankings: Rating every nation’s chances ahead of the tournament

Rugby World Cup 2023 begins today with France vs New Zealand

09:37 , Jack Rathborn

Good morning!

It’s like Christmas for rugby fans as the World Cup kicks off in Paris tonight with hosts France clashing with New Zealand.

Les Bleus vs the All Blacks is a mouthwatering prospect in what promises to be a feast of rugby in the culinary capital of the world.

Follow live news updates and a host of preview content throughout the day from our reporters Luke Baker and Harry Latham-Coyle on the ground in France.