2023 Rugby World Cup: what are Samoa’s predictions?
by Yunchu Li | by Kevin Richard
2023 Rugby World Cup: what are Samoa’s predictions?
Samoa, a rugby-loving nation, is set to compete in the 2023 Rugby World Cup with a squad that includes both experienced veterans and exciting new talents. The team has a history of strong performances in the past, reaching the quarter-finals in 1991, 1995, and 1999. However, in recent tournaments, they have faced challenges in progressing beyond the pool stage, finishing fourth in their Pool in the 2007, 2015, and 2019 editions. Samoa faces a difficult challenge in Pool D, which features England, Japan, Chile and Argentina, making them one of the outsiders to qualify for the knockout stages.
Can Samoa’s stars shine on the World Cup stage?
Samoa's team, led by head coach Seilala Mapusua, features a blend of physicality, forcefulness, and skill. The team is heavily influenced by New Zealanders in terms of squad formation and game plans, and they have recently capitalised on the change in rugby's eligibility laws, allowing players with credible links to Samoa to switch international allegiances, bringing in experienced players such as Steven Luatua, Charlie Faumuina, Lima Sopoaga, and Christian Leali'ifano.
In their warm-up matches, Samoa showed good form by securing impressive wins over Japan, Australia A, Tonga, Fiji, Georgia, and Romania, and they have returned to the top ten of the World Rugby Men’s Rankings for the first time in nearly eight years. Under the guidance of coach Mapusua, the team has recorded seven wins and one loss, which includes a win over upcoming pool rivals Japan.
In Pool D, Samoa will face challenging opponents such as England, Japan, Argentina, and Chile. While they are not considered favourites to win the tournament, Samoa's physicality and unpredictable playstyle could pose challenges for their opponents. Their goal will be to advance past the Pool stage and potentially cause some upsets during the tournament. However, facing stronger teams like England and Argentina will be no easy feat, and Samoa will need to execute their game plan with precision if they intend to return to their glory days in the 1990s.
Register now!Rugby World Cup 2023 - Samoa’s fixtures:
- Saturday, 16 September 2023 - vs Chile – Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
- Friday, 22 September 2023 - vs Argentina – Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
- Thursday, 21 September 2023 - vs Japan – Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse
- Saturday, 27 September 2023 - vs England – Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille
You can keep up to date with all the Rugby World Cup live scores & results at SportyTrader.
What Bets to make on Samoa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup?
While Samoa will undoubtedly fight hard to produce shock results, the current Rugby World Cup betting odds for them winning the tournament remain relatively low at 250/1, according to some of the major bookmakers like Betway. Considering their recent form and the formidable opponents in their Pool, betting on Samoa to win the Rugby World Cup 2023 may not be the most favourable option at the moment, but they have been dubbed as one of the dark horses of the tournament and could deliver a few huge results that could prove to be very profitable.
As the highest-ranked team in Pool D, England are the current out-and-out favourites to win the group stages and are showing up at very short odds, with Unibet providing the best value at 1.5 for the 2003 World Cup champions to top the Pool. After an excellent showing at the 2023 Rugby Championships, where they beat Australia and fell just one point short against South Africa, Argentina's odds have shortened to 2.5 with leading bookies like Betway, announcing themselves as one to watch in the tournament proper.
Japan are an interesting option at the moment and could be where the Samoan backers could find some value as the Asian side is currently priced lower than the Pacific Islanders, at odds of 22.0 with Bet365 and William Hill, despite recently being beaten by Samoa in the warm-up matches. Chile are the biggest outsiders and the lowest-ranked team in the group, showing up at massive odds of 1000.0 at 10Bet.
Here are our Rugby World Cup 2023 predictions & betting tips for Samoa’s Pool D fixtures:
1. Samoa vs Chile - 16 September 2023 – Matmut Atlantique, Bordeaux
Samoa's opening match against Chile presents a massive opportunity to start their campaign with a win. Chile is not a traditional rugby powerhouse, and Samoa's physicality and experience could give them an edge in this fixture.
Prediction: Bet on Samoa to win. For a higher return, consider the handicap market for Samoa-10.
2. Samoa vs Argentina - 22 September 2023 – Stade Geoffroy Guichard, Saint-Etienne
Facing Argentina, a team with a strong rugby culture and renowned attacking abilities will be a challenging task for Samoa. Los Pumas were very good at the 2023 Rugby Championships and could pose a real threat in Pool D. While Samoa has the potential to challenge, Argentina's superior skills and game plan could make them the favourites.
Prediction: Bet on Argentina to win.
Samoa vs Japan - 21 September 2023 - vs Japan – Stadium de Toulouse, Toulouse
This encounter between Samoa and Japan promises to be an exciting one. Japan's fast-paced and dynamic playing style could test Samoa's defensive organization. However, Samoa's physicality and experience in contact situations could provide them with an advantage. The Samoans won the last match between the nations but should be a big outsider in this match, which could be a very profitable wager if it lands.
Prediction: Bet on Samoa to win
4. Samoa vs England - 27 September 2023 - vs England – Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille
Samoa's final match in Pool D is against the formidable England team. England's strength in both the forwards and backs makes them a dominant force. While Samoa has the ability to create upsets, England's higher world ranking and overall depth make them the clear favourites.
Prediction: Bet on England to win.
SportyTrader’s Best Bet: Argentina to qualify to the knockout stages at odds of 2.0 at Betway.
Did you Know?
- The Samoan national rugby team, known as "Manu Samoa," has one of the most passionate and devoted fan bases in the rugby world. Their fans, both in Samoa and across the globe, are known for their vibrant displays of support, including traditional dances and chants, making every Samoan match a spirited and colourful affair.
- Similar to the Haka performed by the New Zealand All Blacks, Manu Samoa have their own traditional war dance known as the "Siva Tau." This powerful pre-match ritual, performed with immense pride and intensity, is a symbol of unity, strength, and warrior spirit, setting the tone for the team's performance on the field.
- Over the years, Manu Samoa have been involved in some unforgettable matches, including their historic 1991 Rugby World Cup victory against Wales, where they secured a stunning 16-13 win. Such victories have etched their name in rugby history and showcased their potential to take on some of the world's best teams.
- Samoa have a deep-rooted rugby tradition and is considered one of the leading Pacific Island rugby nations. They have consistently been a strong force in the Pacific Nations Cup and have produced exceptional players who have made significant impacts in international rugby.
- Samoa also have a rich history in Rugby Sevens, and the sport is deeply ingrained in the country's culture. The national team has achieved success in various Rugby Sevens competitions, including the World Rugby Sevens Series.
