The Wallabies have kicked off their Rugby World Cup campaign in France, with all their games shown live and free on Channel Nine and 9Now.
Under coach Eddie Jones, the Wallabies side captained by Will Skelton will be out to bring glory back to the green and gold on the international stage. They face a field featuring big names in world rugby – South Africa and New Zealand, tournament favourites and hosts France, alongside Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, plus Argentina and Fiji in a field of 20 countries all fighting to win the William Webb Ellis trophy.
Rugby World Cup commentators – Stan Sport
The Wallabies’ most experienced captain of all time, Michael Hooper (RWC 2015 Finalist & RWC 2019), will join Stan Sport’s lineup, bringing 125 Tests of experience to the coverage. Hooper, who missed out on RWC squad selection due to injury, will bring viewers an insight into the Wallabies having recently worked under coach Eddie Jones during the Wallabies Rugby Championship campaign earlier this year.
Hooper will be joined in studio by host Nick McArdle with former Wallabies Mat Rogers (RWC 2003 Finalist), Stephen Hoiles (RWC 2011) and James Horwill (RWC 2011 Captain) with dual international Allana Ferguson and Wallaroo Sera Naiqama (WRWC 2021).
Match coverage from on the ground in France will feature analysis from former Wallabies Tim Horan (2 x RWC winner), Morgan Turinui (RWC 2003 Finalist & RWC 2007) and Justin Harrison (RWC 2003 Finalist) alongside All Blacks legends Sonny Bill Williams (RWC 2011 & RWC 2015 Winner) and Andrew Mehrtens (RWC 1995 Finalist & RWC 1999) with Sean Maloney in commentary and Michael Atkinson sideline.
Rugby World Cup commentators – Channel Nine
Nine’s commentary team of rugby union stars and experts led by Michael Atkinson and Nick McArdle will include Wallabies Tim Horan, Mat Rogers, Justin Harrison, James Horwill, Morgan Turinui and Stephen Hoiles.
All Blacks Sonny Bill Williams and Andrew Mehrtens, female internationals Sera Naiqama and Allana Ferguson, plus caller Sean Maloney will complete Nine’s commentary lineup for live game coverage.
On the ground in France for Wide World of Sports and 9News will be former Wallaby outside back Drew Mitchell.
Ahead of the World Cup launch, Mitchell gave his thoughts on the competing nations and what to expect.
Drew Mitchell
Wallabies: Haven’t had the preparation fans wanted to see, but in Eddie Jones we trust! He has a proven track record at RWCs and he’s sure to spring a few surprises. They’re our national team and it’s time to get behind them.
New Zealand: Weird to say about the All Blacks, but they’re somewhat going under the radar. Strong build-up to the RWC aside from their record loss against South Africa. Is that the loss they needed? Time will tell. Expect them to go deep.
South Africa: They have the squad and play the type of game that wins World Cups. Set-piece dominance, kick their goals, have X-factor out wide. Can they go back to back? I think they can. Captain Siya Kolisi’s incredible early return from injury is a huge boost.
France: The host nation with plenty of expectations to win it. Can they harness the pressure? Losing fly-half Romain Ntamack is a huge blow, but having elite scrum-half Antoine Dupont is a massive advantage.
England: It hasn’t been a great build-up for England. Captain Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola suspended to start the tournament isn’t ideal, along with pre-tournament injuries. Will history repeat and see England face the Wallabies at Marseille in the quarter-finals?
Ireland: Arguably the form team over the past two years. Johnny Sexton returning from suspension could be the boost they need.
Argentina: Do not write the Los Pumas off. Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika has this team full of confidence and they are more than capable of going deep in the tournament.
Wales: Not much is going right for the Welsh. But they’re on the favourable side of the draw and may surprise.
Scotland: The Scots are in great form. Finn Russell is pulling the strings and has them playing a high attacking style. They’re in a tough pool but may cause an upset and progress into the knockouts.
The best of the rest: The Pacific nations are looking stronger than ever.
Fiji recently defeated England for the first time in history. X-factor across the park, and with the experience gained through the Fiji Drua in Super Rugby, mixed with their European contingent, Fiji will be a problem. Joshua Tuisova is granite, a winger who breaks tackles for fun.
Samoa and Tonga are also bolstered with players returning to their cultural heritage. Players who have previously represented other Tier 1 nations are now suiting up for Samoa and Tonga and both squads look formidable.
Tonga’s Charles Piatau will be dangerous in the back field for the men in red, and will definitely feature in highlight reels for RWC 2023.
Samoa’s UJ Seuteni represented Australia in under 20s, has been playing in France for over five years, and has developed into a world-class centre. He recently won the European championship with La Rochelle.