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Rugby World Cup 2023: what to look out for this weekend

Italy look to put pressure on France, Wales aim to avoid another Georgia shock, and a maths test for Ireland and Scotland

Much has been made of the fact Antoine Dupont could be back next week if given the all clear by the surgeon on Monday to resume contact training days after having surgery on a fractured cheekbone. Less attention has been paid to the fact that for that to be at all relevant, France still need to qualify and the easiest way to ensure that is to beat Italy on Friday evening. They can still go through if they lose, but the hosts will not want to be relying on bonus points.

France v Italy, OL Stadium, Friday 8pm (all times BST)

England v Samoa, Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Saturday 4.45pm

Ireland v Scotland, Stade de France, Saturday 8pm

Wales v Georgia, Stade de la Beaujoire, Saturday 2pm

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/wRHtfx3

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