Rugby-Kickers worth their weight in gold at Rugby World Cup

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby World Cup 2023 - Pool A - France v New Zealand - Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France - September 8, 2023 France's Thomas Ramos in action REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier/File Photo

MARSEILLE, France (Reuters) - Every Rugby World Cup has been won by a nation with a strong goal-kicker who can turn pressure into points and it is likely to be the case again in France with the teams who have come through tight contests so far all having one thing in common.

The history of the knockout rounds suggests it will be fine margins that win games, and a kicker operating at 80% plus could be the difference between victory and a bitter defeat.