The knock out stage of the Rugby World Cup is fast approaching and England look to be in good form to defend their title. New Zealand is still the hot favourite to win, and being on home soil, that’s understandable. However, Australia and South Africa are looking vulnerable, and could make early exits. The biggest surprise win to date was Ireland’s demolition of Australia. Ireland closed down the Australians and while their win was on the back of penalties, it does show that if you can frustrate a team, they will make costly errors.

In Rugby World Cup betting, New Zealand are short priced favourites at 3/5. Australia will finish second in their group and will need to take on a top flight side to progress, even so, bookmakers have them as second favourites at 8/1 followed by South Africa and England at 12/1. France is the only other side in calculations at 15/1, however, I would be too quick to rule out Ireland, even though they are priced at 25/1.

New Zealand are doing it easy at present, and that could be their undoing. With no tough contests to harden them, the semi-finals could be a real test. South Africa, while winning, are far from convincing, and Australia, while hit by injuries, seem to have peaked a month too early. France, England and Ireland are demonstrating that the European style of rugby is harder and tighter than that enjoyed in the southern hemisphere – and it is the tighter style that is proving to be the stronger at this level.

We like England to serve it up to the Kiwis. They may be on home soil, but they are not tough enough at present to win this competition. At 12/1, England represent good value. Ireland have had some success at this level, so don’t be surprised to see them win a few more before the competition has been completed at 25/1, they too are worth a little wager.