#RWC2025: The underdogs
SPOTLIGHT: In the final instalment of getting to know the 2025 World Cup Pools, Rugby365 looks at Pool D.
It’s all about intense matches when we look at the last group, which consists of France, Italy, South Africa, and Brazil.
France is the clear top seed in Pool D; however, the battle for the second quarterfinal spot is expected to be fiercely contested between South Africa and Italy.
*Article continues below…
France, known as Les Bleues, is coached by Gaëlle Mignot and David Ortiz. The team is known for its flair, just like their male counterparts, and they are often found in the top five of the World Rankings.
They annually compete in the Six Nations and last won the title in 2018, before England’s recent dominance.
In terms of World Cup history, they’ve secured six bronze medals (1994, 2002, 2006, 2014, 2017, 2021).
France has yet to lift the trophy, but this year, that might change, given their form.
They recorded 4 wins and 1 loss, finishing just behind England on points despite scoring more against them in Round 5.
During the recent Six Nations, France recorded 4 wins and 1 loss, finishing just behind England.
They put up an impressive fight against England in Round Five, narrowly losing 42-43 at Twickenham Stadium.
*Article continues below…
Italy are a very unpredictable team. They compete in the Six Nations and WXV 2 and are currently coached by Fabio Roselli.
The former Italian wing took over the reins in January 2025.
Known as Le Azzurre, the Italians are currently ranked eighth in the World Rankings.
The last few years have been a mixed bag for Italy. They have recorded some noteworthy wins but have also suffered some big losses.
Nonetheless, the team shows improvement and will certainly want to hit their stride at the World Cup.
Italy has featured in five World Cups and made the quarterfinals in 2022 (the 2021 edition, hosted in New Zealand a year later due to COVID).
Similar to Italy, South Africa is another underdog with the potential to disrupt the World Cup scene.
View this post on Instagram
The Springbok Women are a powerhouse in their region, securing four Rugby Africa Cup titles since 2019.
On the international stage, the team has made great progress under the guidance of performance coach Swys de Bruin.
They have recorded wins over a star-laden Barbarians side, Japan, and Spain.
Leading up to the World Cup, the team delivered noteworthy performances during their defeats to Canada and the Black Ferns XV.
The Bok Women have featured in four World Cups but have yet to secure a quarterfinal spot.
They do not have a strong record at the tournament – they did not participate in the 2017 edition after SA Rugby opted not to send the team.
However, this time around, ranked 12th in the world, the Springbok Women have a strong chance to finally break into the play-off zones.
Brazil has the least World Cup experience in the group – this will be their first appearance at the showpiece.
Brazil, known as the Yaras, qualified for the tournament through the South American play-off, marking a historic moment for the country.
Currently ranked 42nd in the world, Brazil, under head coach Emiliano Caffera, has embraced a more up-tempo, backline-heavy style. They scored 20 tries in seven recent Test matches, with 12 tries coming from backs, highlighting increased ambition and tactical progression.
Pool D Fixtures:
Saturday, August 23
France v Italy
Sunday, August 24
South Africa v Brazil
Sunday, August 31
Italy v South Africa
France v Brazil
Sunday, September 7
Italy v Brazil
France v South Africa
