As the 2025 Rugby World Cup draws near, anticipation for the competition keeps growing. Rugby supporters from all over the world are excited for the tournament’s anticipated intense matches, suspenseful finales, and historic performances. The intense rivalries that have grown between rugby nations over the years promise to give an additional element of drama and suspense to the many fascinating narratives to watch. In addition to showcasing elite rugby, these games highlight each nation’s pride, passion, and traditions. The following are some of the most anticipated rivalries in the Rugby World Cup of 2025:
1. New Zealand vs. South Africa
The match between South Africa and New Zealand is arguably the most famous rivalry in rugby and is always a highlight of any World Cup. Both teams have won numerous World Cups, and the two countries have a long history of competitive matches. While South Africa is well-known for their physicality and tactical discipline, New Zealand is noted for their fast-paced, high-skilled game and has a long history of winning big events. When South Africa defeated New Zealand in the final to win their fourth World Cup, the rivalry was last renewed in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Given that both sides are still dominant in international rugby, the 2025 World Cup is sure to be another thrilling matchup. With so much on the line as these two rugby powerhouses fight for supremacy, expect thrilling, high-octane matches.
2. England vs. Australia
The conflict between Australia and England is another rivalry that consistently produces drama. Memorable matches throughout World Cup history, such as England’s historic triumph against Australia in the final in 2003, have shaped this rivalry. There have been times when both teams have dominated, and their meetings are always eagerly awaited. The attacking flair and inventiveness of Australia will contrast with England’s methodical and disciplined style of play. With both nations keen to reclaim their position as the world rugby kings, the 2025 World Cup will add another chapter to this fierce rivalry. The match between Australia and England will be exciting to watch, whether it takes place in the group stages or the knockout stages.
3. France vs. Ireland
With both sides playing some of the most appealing and successful rugby in the world, the rivalry between France and Ireland has grown to be one of the most thrilling in recent years. Ireland, the current Six Nations winners, have a more methodical yet remarkably effective style of play than France, the 2023 Rugby World Cup finalists, who have a long tradition of flair and unpredictable play. Both sides have shown incredible resiliency in their frequently close, physical clashes. These two teams will have the ideal opportunity to display their skills and compete for supremacy in what may be one of the most anticipated matches in the competition in the 2025 Rugby World Cup. Their competition will be interesting to watch because both clubs are coming into the tournament in excellent shape.
4. South Africa vs. England
The rivalry between South Africa and England has grown more fierce in recent years, as evidenced by their thrilling World Cup matches. England’s methodical strategy and potent set-piece game provide the ideal counterpoint to South Africa’s vicious forward pack and strategic kicking style. Fans still remember their fight in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semifinal, when South Africa won to advance to the final. With some of the world’s top rugby players on both sides, the 2025 World Cup looks to be another titanic matchup. Anticipate a brutal fight that may be the deciding factor in who advances to the tournament’s subsequent stages.
5. New Zealand vs. Australia
One of rugby’s longest-running rivalries is that between Australia and New Zealand across the Tasman. Their conflicts are constantly hotly disputed because both countries are situated directly across the sea from one another. Although Australia has had a number of noteworthy triumphs in this rivalry, including their victory in the 1991 Rugby World Cup final, New Zealand has traditionally had the upper hand. The 2025 Rugby World Cup matchup between these two countries is certain to be an exciting event because both sides regularly produce elite players. This rivalry will surely be one of the tournament’s highlights as both teams try to reclaim their position as rugby powerhouses.
6. Wales vs. Scotland
Even though Wales and Scotland don’t have the same rivalry as some of the other teams on this list, their games are always intense and passionate. Both sides have been on the edge of making it to the top division of rugby in the globe and are historically competitive in the Six Nations. Scotland, who have adopted a more dynamic and quick-paced style of play in recent years, will play Wales, who are known for their flair and toughness. Both countries are competing for a spot in the 2025 World Cup knockout stages, therefore their matchup will have a significant impact on development. There is a lot of drama and the opportunity for surprise in this little-known rivalry.
7. Japan vs. Fiji
In recent years, Japan has emerged as a rising force in international rugby, while Fiji has long been known for their exciting and unpredictable style of play. Both sides have made tremendous strides and are capable of challenging some of the established rugby powerhouses. Despite not being as long-standing as some of the other rivalries on this list, their rivalry has been growing, with Japan outperforming Ireland in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. However, with their explosive attacking rugby and capacity to shock any team on their day, Fiji will always be a threat. Both teams will have the opportunity to make an impression at the 2025 World Cup, and their showdown is expected to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable of the competition.