Sunday, May 20th, 2012
The Rugby World Cup odds have New Zealand as clear favourites to take the title, despite their recent tri-nations mishaps.
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With Australia and South Africa rated as second and third favourites there seems every chance that the trophy will remain in the southern hemisphere.
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4/6 New Zealand, 100/30 Australia, 8/1 South Africa, 16/1 England, France, 40/1 Ireland, 80/1 Bar
RUGBY WORLD CUP PREVIEW
New Zealand’s imperious form, rather intriguingly, came to a halt late in the Tri Nations, giving them a rare sense of vulnerability going into this World Cup. Add that to many notorious past failures (they haven’t won the Trophy since the first edition, in New Zealand, in 1987) and there is a welcome sense of uncertainty about where the Webb Ellis Trophy might be heading. New Zealand have a gentle looking group, with France their only opponents likely to test them. It may leave them undercooked when the serious business starts in the quarter-finals.
There are signs Australia are improving under coach Robbie Deans, especially by beating New Zealand – but the one are where they look weak is an important once, as they are without a top quality place kicker, which is just the sort of thing that can decide tight, gritty, tense, World Cup quarter and semi-finals.
South Africa have opted for an experienced squad, with several of their World Cup winners from four years go back to defend the trophy. They look rested, and fresh, and have a pool featuring Wales and Samoa that shouldn’t test them unduly.
Of the northern hemisphere nations, England have had a mixed preparation and it’s not entirely certain Martin Johnson still knows quite what his best team is or the game plan to get the best out of them – whether to play stick it up the jumper rugby or try and be more expansive. France remain difficult to predict under Marc Lieveremont – quelle surprise, and while they could cause damage its difficult to see them stringing enough performances together.
Scotland have some quiet confidence, but it’s hard to see them, Ireland or Wales go really deep in the tournament, while Argentina look to have aged too much to repeat their semi-final run of four years ago.
South Africa have a rested, tried and tested squad and seem a decent bet to retain the trophy at 8/1 with Paddy Power. Use our link and you can claim a free bet of up to £50.