There has been a lot of criticism about the way the International Cricket Board has framed future one day world cups. After looking at the betting for the Rugby World Cup, I can see a lot of justification in the ICBs thought process. The Rugby World Cup starts in New Zealand this Friday with the host nation taking on Tonga. In match betting, Tonga are 100/1, the draw is 200/1, and bookmakers are not taking bets on New Zealand.
Although there are twenty teams competing, there are only a handful of nations that have any realistic chances of winning the cup. New Zealand on home turf will be hard to beat, however, Australia, South Africa, England and perhaps Wales and France are the only real competition. Most of the money is going on the first three with New Zealand 3/4 to win from Australia at 4/1 and South Africa at 17/2. You can get 15/1 or better for the rest with some at odds as long as 1000/1.
In the first round of pool matches, almost every contest is lop-sided with one team deep into odds on while they their opponents are well into double figure odds. This represents a poor betting option for punters and we suggest you sit on your wallets until at least the knock out stage of the competition. If you must have a bet, there are one two games that may offer some interest.
England take on Argentina on Saturday and while England are at 1/5, Argentina could be tough to crack and are well priced at 6/1. The only other game worth considering is the South Africa match against Wales. South Africa are 2/11 while bookies have Wales at 6/1 – this could be an upset in the making – and perhaps worth a small punt.
Your best Rugby World Cup betting strategy at present is to bet on your tip to take the World Cup, then to wait for the knock stage to bet on individual matches. New Zealand are the best team in the world, however, they have a poor record at World Cup level having only ever won one – and that was the last time they hosted the event. We’re tipping England at good odds to win again with a saver on Australia – both good odds at present.