World Rugby promises Rugby World Cup draw changes on the way

The pools were announced for the 2023 competition on 14 December 2020, just under three years out from the start of the World Cup in France.

World Rugby were widely criticised for holding it then, with so much time to go until the tournament began, and it has since proven to be a mistake.

It has resulted in a lopsided draw, with the top five nations in the rankings in either Pool A or B. As a result, two of the current top four teams - France, New Zealand, Ireland and South Africa - will not make it into the semi-finals.

The Springboks will have to contend with Ireland and Scotland in a tough Pool B.

Beaumont explained why they did it but understood the complaints and insisted that going forward they would be holding it "as late as possible."

"The reason why the pool draws were made earlier was because of the surety of the host cities and knowing where teams were going, which is very important," he told The Breakdown.

"What we will be doing is looking to have the pool draw as late as possible so that you get more consistency around the balance in a pool.

"There's always going to be one pool which is tougher than the others.

"When we go to Australia, we will be looking at how late we can make the pool draw."

There is now just over one month until the start of the tournament in France, who will host it for the first time since 2007.

That tournament proved to be a success and Beaumont expects the 10th Rugby World Cup to better that effort, both on and off the field.

"I think every one of us is excited. The preparation's gone really well, all the venues are fantastic and I think what we will see on the field of play will be fantastic," he added.

"There's a lot more excitement because nobody really knows deep down who's going to win it, and I think that is one of the great things about the World Cup this year."