Rugby World Cup: With exactly one year to go, how are the leading nations shaping up?

There is exactly one year to go until the 2023 Rugby World Cup. The leading nations are preparing for the tournament in France. There are a few teams that stand out among the top candidates to lift the famous trophy.

South Africa are the reigning world champions. They won the title in Japan three years ago. South Africa went 20 months between beating England in the 2019 final and cruising to a 40-9 victory over Georgia in July last year. The ongoing Rugby Championship is a better litmus test of what to expect in a year's time.

The Rugby World Cup takes place in England and Australia in November 2015. New Zealand won the last two tournaments. The All Blacks are currently top of the Rugby Championship. They play Australia, Wales, Scotland and England before the World cup. They also play Ireland.

Andy Farrell's side have won 13 of their last 16 matches. They won the Six Nations in July. Their solitary defeat to France extended their wait for a trophy. The World Cup starts this week.

France are hosting the Rugby World Cup next year. They have won 10 straight matches since their last defeat. France have lost three World Cups in a row. The Six Nations starts in February. France will play Australia and South Africa before the World cup.

The Rugby World Cup is in one year. England finished as runners-up last time. The tournament will be Eddie Jones' last before he's replaced. England are one of only four teams to have ever lifted the trophy. Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Argentina have already won some big matches. Australia will fancy themselves on the biggest stage.