We formed the Rugby Round Table in order to follow up the Rugby World Cup as well and as qualitatively as possible. We like to discuss, to talk about rugby, to hear and confront opinions, to see things from different angles. We simply like to talk about rugby and we hope that as many people as possible will join in the discussion and conversation about the matches and general events of the tournament.
We had to expand our round table by 5 more seats than usual, so we hope that you will find the exchange of opinions and views of our experts more than interesting. Predrag Vraneš is serbian national team player and the General Secretary of the RK Rad. He seriously follows international rugby and once wrote articles on the Rad website. Bogdan Mihajlović is a player/coach in RK Kruševac who closely follows news and stories in international rugby. Always ready for an exchange of opinions and a quality discussion. Nemanja Babić is a referee, international coach and passionate follower of international rugby activities. He was a masterful commentator of the matches at the Sport Club at the previous World Cup. Dragan Petrović is youth coach in RK Praga from Prague, who not only follows almost all activities in rugby, but also administers the Serbian Rugby Network Instagram page, where you can inform us about everything from rugby. Finally, there is Jovan Kostić, a member of Torpedo from Petrovac na Mlava, who is a passionate fan and follower of rugby. With the already seasoned members of the Round Table, Nikola Orlandić, Milan Orlović and Stevan Ilijašević, the eight are gathered and ready to discuss rugby current affairs.
The plan is to make four articles of the round table. The first will be the one with which we will announce the World Cup, give some of our opinions and early forecasts. We will then gather again at the end of the group stage, where we will comment on the completion of the group competition and the ¼ final bracket. Of course we will give predictions and exchange opinions about the results and future mathes. Then we will dedicate one article to the announcement of the final match and comments on the results in the ¼ final and ½ final. And finally, after the final, we will give the final word and opinion about the whole World Cup.
Above all we want to have fun, encourage discussion and talk about rugby. We sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to watch a large number of matches with everyone and that we will exchange opinions and comments with the entire rugby community in Serbia.
1. What is the importance of the World Cup for the rugby community in Serbia, considering the huge promotional potential it has at the world level?
Nikola Orlandić: The importance is huge, the championship will be extremely strong and interesting, it is played in France and a large number of coaches and players will attend some matches and you will surely see a huge number of the best possible matches and players. It would be good if it was covered in the media, and not on some sports channel.
Milan Orlović: Without any doubt, we can say that the World Cup is by far the most important rugby competition on a global level, and as such it arouses interest in our sport among those who do not follow it, but also among those who play it or once played it. However, although a couple of championships have already been broadcast on cable operators, we cannot say that it has helped us too much in the development of our rugby. However, it can be said that during the competition, a more positive energy prevailed among our community, but we did not manage to significantly materialize such a situation. I think there is a lot of room to use the World Cup more meaningfully and purposefully.
Nemanja Babić: The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events not only this year, I believe that it is well recognized on a global scale and the euphoria starts a few months before the first game and the opening of the championship. The significance of the World Cup in our country? Where to start…? I am of the opinion that as a rugby community we have not been able to use the potential of the World Cup, unfortunately. There are so many ideas and ways to approach rugby not only to schools and school children, but also to parents and all those who want to try something new for them. Can you imagine “School World Cup”? A competition between schools that would bear the names of national teams participating in the World Cup? If embassies, or companies that are represented here and are a global sponsor of the World Cup, are involved? Huge potential, but unfortunately never achieve for us Serbs.
Predrag Vraneš: The significance could be great, but unfortunately, in my opinion, we have not used it well enough. First of all, I’m thinking about media promotion, because as we know, a lot of people in Serbia think that rugby doesn’t even exist here as a sport. The very fact that this is the third largest sports event in the world could be used positively as a promotion of this sport in our country. Not to be negative, but I am of the opinion that the interest of people in Serbia in this sport will not increase and that only those people who are already in some way in rugby will enjoy it. Of course, all that can change, if this event is covered by the media and broadcast on one of the TV stations.
Bogdan Mihajlović: The importance of the World Cup for the rugby community can and must be a great thing and a real opportunity to promote rugby in Serbia. I mean that first of all at the local level and then at the level of the whole of Serbia. The championship is played for 4 years, but every year you have the opportunity to watch the 6 Nations Cup as well as the team cups, which are more and more interesting every year. In terms of the media, I think that rugby is in the background, and whenever I asked people from sports or journalism, they would all say the same – it is a rough sport, and no one mentions that in rugby you learn concentration, work with both left and right hands, left and right with the foot, movement with and without the ball and that as far as injuries are concerned, nothing is greater than in football, handball, kickboxing, taekwondo…
Dragan Petrović: The 2023 Rugby World Cup, which is being held in France, is a celebration for all rugby fans in the world, including in Serbia. Such a competition should be coverted and celebrated. It is a planetary sporting event that must be paid attention to. An event like the World Cup gives us the opportunity to promote the sport of rugby and our game in the best light in Serbia. I think that the Union and all the clubs should use these two months to promote and present the sport of rugby in Serbia. In the Czech Republic, for example, their Rugby Union, in cooperation with the state sports channel, records shows about rugby clubs and the rules of the game of rugby. The TV shows will be broadcast at halftime of all games. Why shouldn’t we have that too? Visit schools and present the sport of rugby to children. In cooperation with the media, cover the World Cup and promote rugby in newspapers or on the Internet. Of course, all this is possible only if there is will and if there is will.
Jovan Kostić: Playing the World Cup has a strong potential for promoting and developing the sport, because during the World Cup rugby is talked about more and written more in newspaper articles and on social networks and in television broadcasts. Rugby is once again at the center of world events. And such an atmosphere contributes to the potential expansion of the rugby community in Serbia because rugby is promoted and brought closer to people who are not familiar or less familiar with rugby.
Stevan Ilijašević: The significance is enormous because everyone will be talking about rugby, rugby will be in the center of interest, the media will report on the events of the World Cup. The tournament lasts almost two months and there will be a huge number of matches. I think it is very important to talk about rugby and to send it out as much as possible because you have to satisfy the hunger of the fans somehow. You always have fanatics who want to know more, read more, discuss more about rugby. That’s why the World Cup is fantastic, because you can discuss anything and everything and always find a good company for rugby chat.
2. Which national team do you think will be the biggest positive surprise at the tournament?
Nikola Orlandić: I think that European rugby will be a strong competitor to the southern hemisphere, and that the Pacific teams of Fiji and Western Samoa will have something to say. Ireland certainly, as the best ranked team, has the possibility to almost for the first time since 1991 finds himself in a serious fight for the title.
Milan Orlović: It is difficult to talk about it. Although we know the ways of the game and the current forms of the teams, it is certain that not all the cards have been revealed. However, if we talk about a more even group, in my opinion, it is group D, where all teams except the debutants could go to the playoffs. Also Fiji showed that they could upset the plans of any team. Especially the weak Welsh and Wallabies, however, those two national teams are still the favorites to go through. It will be interesting to see if Uruguay can pull off another surprise and maybe get the Azzuri. I would also like the Scots to find a way to the quarter finals, although very difficult although I am sure they will leave their hearts on the pitch. A good result for Argentina would not be a surprise, even the semi-final over the back of the very enigmatic Wallabies.
Nemanja Babić: The matches of this summer, even of the past year, including the 6 Nations, in my opinion, are not a benchmark and a representation of the real things and the size of the range of some of the teams. You don’t have to be smart and wise and say Fiji is about to be one of those selections. I don’t think any of the selections from the Northern Hemisphere have the potential to surprise. I am of the personal opinion that time is working for better and better
Fijians and the already solid Japanese (they took SA’s scalp), Samoa or Tonga manage to surprise this World Cup and win against big powers and favorites.
Predrag Vraneš: Looking at the groups at the World Championship and who meets whom at that stage, and later in the play-offs, my first favorite for the surprise of the tournament would be the Fijian team. In my opinion, the team is very physically prepared, as they showed in the duel with the English. What I also took into consideration are the opponents in the group, who in my opinion are nowhere near the quality they used to be. Australia is last in the Rugby Championship this year, Wales is almost last in the 6 Nations Cup, while Georgia and Portugal are, in my opinion, an easy bite for the Fijians. This group intersects with the group where the favorites are Argentina and England, so it can easily happen that Fiji makes the biggest success in the history of the World Cup and makes it to the ½ finals.
Bogdan Mihajlović: I think it could be the Scots. They have a very difficult group, but in the 6 Nations Cup they showed excellent play and combativeness. With a bit of luck, they can be a pleasant surprise, which I’m sincerely rooting for, because it’s time for the cup to return to Europe.
Dragan Petrović: I think that the dark horse at this year’s World Cup could be the national teams of Scotland and Argentina. If Finn Russell is fit to play, the Scots can pass the “group of death”. Argentina has a great team that can surprise, and I would also add Fiji, who beat England for the first time in the middle of London last week and shocked the rugby world.
Jovan Kostić: I personally think that the national team of Georgia has a real chance to make a positive surprise at the tournament and advance to the quarterfinals as the second-placed team in the group. Although I personally support the always playful Fiji in Group C, I feel that the reasonably physical and compact Georgians have what it takes to score in this tournament and reach the quarter-finals for the first time in the country’s history. I believe that what the Georgians have been doing for years to develop their rugby at home will finally pay off in this tournament, and with a bit of luck they can leave Fiji and Wales behind in Group C.
Stevan Ilijašević: Regarding surprises, I am betting on three selections that can surprise in a very positive way. Above all I think of Italy who are much stronger than they are given the chance against New Zealand and France. Also, I think Georgia will have notable matches in Group C, as they have finally developed quality players in the line. They beat Italy and Wales last year and seem very fit. And in the end, I think that Argentina will surprise and make a huge step towards the ½ final. They have a very experienced team for whom this World Cup will be their last and who want to make a quality result before hanging up their football boots.
3. Which teams will you follow and who will you root for?
Nikola Orlandić: I will try to watch as many games as possible, especially the lower-ranked teams and to see their good and bad sides as well as their progress and way of working. I will certainly watch the matches of the seeding teams of the groups. And personally, I would like to see the All Blacks in the final, although this time there is really no serious favorite and it is possible that we will witness some surprises.
Milan Orlović: As far as tracking is concerned, I don’t think I will miss the match. Especially the beginning when I will be in France. But as far as cheering is concerned, I always cheer for the underdog, so maximum surprises are what I like the most. Accordingly, my first choice is Scotland, followed by Argentina and Fiji. I would certainly like for a European team to win the Cup, the host has the most potential for that, but also Ireland, which could finally do something at the world level for a change, so why not lift the trophy. However, it will be extremely difficult, after all the All Blacks and Springboks are the main contenders for the throne.
Nemanja Babić: Romanians as neighbors should definitely be supported. In the previous answer, I mentioned who I think is a potential “land mine” and I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t support one of those selections. I will be rooting for Samoa and I believe they can get two wins in the group and with one of the scalps against England or Argentina to pass the group stage.
Predrag Vraneš: Somehow, I have always been a fan of teams that are outsiders on paper, so in this case I will be a Georgia fan, while I will support Los Pumas (Argentina) because of their courage on the field. Following and watching the matches is always nice to watch the first-class national teams, so I will mostly see off New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland and the host France.
Bogdan Mihajlović: As always, I will follow France, which I always support (in rugby, of course). In addition to the French, I will follow the Irish and the Scots, but I will not leave out the South Africans and the Argentines.
Dragan Petrović: Personally, I always support the underdogs. I would like the World Cup to be won by a team that is not the favorite. Personally I like and support Scotland and Argentina but I also like Wales and Uruguay who are not favourites, but I will support them. I will try as much as time and commitments allow me to see all the matches, and necessarily all the matches of the national teams I support. I also love Japan, which I will support live in Nice against England.
Jovan Kostić: I always support the fanatical Argentinians. I believe that they can make a strong result in this tournament. I will dare to predict the Argentines and the first place in group D and I think that they can leave behind traditional rugby England and convenient Japan. I believe that this group will not be too uncertain and that is why I think that the Argentines have enough experience, skill, strength, compactness and discipline, as well as more than enough games in their legs and shoulders to achieve the first place in the table in group D (considering that they played the Rugby Championship of the Southern Hemisphere until recently) and that they are more than ready and up to the challenges of the World Cup.
Stevan Ilijašević: I will probably be one of the very few England fans at the World Cup. I have always followed them and have always supported them. I believe that they are quite strong and that together with Australia they managed to hide a lot of things in the preparation period. At least I hope so. I will also support South Africa where I follow their scrum and “bomb squad” with special attention. I can’t wait to see the scrum battle between South Africa and Ireland.
4. Which players do you think will mark this World Cup?
Nikola Orlandić: I don’t see any particularly dominant players, but I see some very well “tuned” teams in terms of positions and rising form. In a game with 15 players, I think it is dangerous to manage things on an individual level, which has been shown several times already, and the result is to be sought above all in the discipline and character of the team. But of course I think that from the leadership side – the French and the Irish are well prepared.
Milan Orlović: There is no shortage of talent. This will be the most competitive World Cup ever. The players themselves will prove themselves as much as their teammates will help them. The collective will be much more important. But we must not forget that the performance of the best will be decisive. Every team has a great player, the most complete are the Irish, New Zealanders and South Africans, where there are no weak points. But the best players in the world are perhaps in some other teams, Dupont, Fickou, Aldrith (France), Radradra, Botia (Fiji), Russell, Van Der Merwe (Scotland), Itoje, George (England), Biggar (Wales), Capuzzo (Italy), Matera, Sanchez (Argentina), Piutau (Tonga)… It will be really exciting to watch these beasts of a player on the biggest show.
Nemanja Babić: In the past year, we had the opportunity to see some of the rugby greats either retire or, due to injury, are not part of their national teams at the upcoming World Cup. On the other hand, young players come in and play very well on the big stage. Davit Niniashvili is a fullback, a player of great potential. One of the best players in the TOP 14 league and a real refresher in a Georgian team that is known for having a very strong scrum/melee and players in those positions who dominate.
Predrag Vraneš: Looking at this year, especially the 6 Nations Cup, the Rugby Championship and test matches, several players could mark this World Cup. He would highlight the French demi Dupont, who is deservedly the best rugby player in the world right now. Also from France, winger Damian Penaud I think will be up to par at this WC as will Scotland winger Van Der Merwe and New Zealand’s Will Jordan. In addition to the mentioned players, I would also like to mention: Sammy Radradra from Fiji, Ardi Savea from New Zealand and the young Canan Moodie and the now experienced Cheslin Kolbe from South Africa.
Bogdan Mihajlović: Regarding the players, I think that Dupont will be one of the players who will mark this cup, but that’s just my opinion. I think there are plenty of good players to look out for and I think someone might even shine when it’s needed the most. In my opinion, Dupont is the brain of France, always up to the task and a man who brings superiority both in the national team and in the club. Next, I expect Van der Merwe to continue with the excellent performances he recorded in the 6 Nations Cup. Then Itoje, Faf de Klerk, Barrett, Beirne.
Dragan Petrović: I think there will be more such players, but I definitely expect the most from Finn Russell and Van Der Merwe, who are an excellent tandem in the Scottish national team. If they are fit and if they play as expected, the Scots will definitely go far.
Jovan Kostić: It is difficult to make predictions about players and their performance before we see them in action. There are a lot of quality players here, so I would like to highlight their names before the start of the tournament. But if we were to name the players who will definitely be in my “Fantasy Team” – they would be: Irish Leinster’s third line player – Irishman Kaelan Doris, Argentinean Emiliano Boffelli, Frenchmen Antoine Dupont and Damian Penauld and New Zealander Will Jordan.
Stevan Ilijašević: A very important screw in Ireland’s scrum will be Tadhd Beirne, a second-line player, who is the cornerstone of the system of play established by Andy Farrell. Also, Ireland demi Jamison Gibson-Park forces a very high level of play, which defenses can’t handle. In France, a lot will depend on Aldarit, who will be the primary ball carrier in the scrum. I must also mention Danty, who is perhaps the best fnside center in the world. In Team New Zealand I think this will be Will Jordan’s tournament which is incredibly fast. In South Africa I will especially follow Malcolm Marx who is one of my favorite players in general. One of the players who will have a lot to prove will be England’s Ellis Genge who I think will be one of the best in the tournament. Finn Russell is one of the most difficult players to defend, as he is able to play at a high tempo and attack you with all weapons.
5. Which team has shown the most so far, what is your prediction, who will play in the final and eventually win the title of World Champion?
Nikola Orlandić: In my opinion, the Irish and the French play very well, New Zealand and Argentina always give their best, but we expect much more from Australia than they have shown so far.
And of course, South Africa, which seems to me to be the best, has timed their form, came with the best possible team and is playing fantastic rugby, attacking unlike before – with all weapons, they have excellent character and a modern approach, and I think they will reach the final. The only question is who will be waiting there. But somehow we all maybe secretly hope to finally reach a European final for the first time.
Let’s say for the sake of good rugby the Ireland-France final, and for little Dupont to lift the Trophy, I think he’s been brushed too many times so far.
Milan Orlović: According to many, the reigning champions are the number one favorite, they somehow announced it with the last match against their biggest rival. The way the teams cross is interesting and will depend a lot on the group stage, more precisely on who is first and who is second in the group. If I have to say, I think that the final will be France and South Africa and the hosts should finally lift that trophy, French rugby deserves it and they have all the prerequisites for such a thing.
Nemanja Babić: Definitely New Zealand and Ireland with Farrell as coach showed continuity and stability in the composition and also in the results. On the other hand, we have colorful results and the game of the South African team. It is difficult to compare matches before and when the World Cup starts, we know how much nervousness and small details can make a decision and prevail for one of the teams to win. The Old Blacks and Springboks have the most titles, and therefore I include them in the circle of favorites. I’m not a good prognosticator, but when it’s a challenge and a question, who do I see in the finals…? I’m going to boldly try to predict the Ireland v South Africa final and they are the winner
Springboks.
Predrag Vraneš: Looking at the whole season and somehow timing the form for this World Cup, I think that France is the biggest favorite to win the World Cup. Definitely 8th of September in the opener between France and New Zealand, it will be seen if this assumption of mine is correct. This group crosses into ¼ with Group B where they will likely meet South Africa and Ireland. In addition to the aforementioned France, these 3 national teams are, in my opinion, the biggest contenders for winning the title. That is why the teams from groups C and D have a chance to achieve historic placements, mostly referring to Argentina and Fiji. My prediction for the final is France v South Africa, a win for France and their first world title and second for Europe.
Bogdan Mihajlović: In my opinion, I have to single out 4 teams, namely South Africa, New Zealand, France and Ireland. I expect the final to be between France and South Africa, but I think the South Africans are the closest to winning and defending the world cup.
Dragan Petrović: Looking at the test matches, which again do not have to be the main indicator of the game of that national team, I think that the final will be played by France and South Africa. Simply, these two national teams have played great rugby throughout the year. Of course there are also the All Blacks and the Irish who will get involved, so I hope we will have an interesting final. The staff at the disposal of these four national teams is so wide that they could each put together two teams of the same quality. The French are the hosts and that gives them an advantage, but also pressure from fans and the public. If I had to choose from these four teams, I would like it to be a European team from the northern hemisphere, the French or the Irish.
Jovan Kostić: I predict that the final of this tournament will be the All Blacks against the Springboks and that the Springboks will defend the title of World Champions from the 2019 championship .
Stevan Ilijašević: Although I sincerely hope that the English will manage to reach the finals, I am not sure if they are capable of making it. Personally, I think the Irish will be one of the finalists. On the other side of the draw, I have to choose South Africa, who will be in the group with the Irish and their path to the final will be separated. Statistically speaking, all World Champions in history won all matches when they won the tournament, only in the last World Cup South Africa lost in the group to New Zealand. In the end, it turned out that that defeat didn’t even matter because their path developed to the final itself.
