2019 Rugby World Cup

2019 Rugby World Cup

The Rugby World cup takes place later this year between September and November in Japan, in what is set to be the ninth edition of the competition. This will be the first Rugby World cup to take place in Asia, and can be expected to be a stunning event for spectators.

Pool A includes the hosts Japan alongside Ireland, Scotland, Russia and Samoa. Ireland will be the strong favourites to top the group and are a general 2/9 ahead of Scotland at 10/3. Ireland are also the general fourth favourites for the entire competition at 7/1, but need to improve following a poor Six Nations showing. They are still proving a popular selection amongst punters in the outright market, with them using the latest bonus from Neds. Scotland are 50/1 to win the tournament later this year in Japan.

Pool B sees the defending champions New Zealand face off against South Africa, Italy, Canada and Namibia. New Zealand should top the group with ease and are as short as 1/9 to do so. South Africa are then 5/1 and will also be confident of progressing through. New Zealand are the number one side in the world and have long been the dominating nation in Rugby. They have won three World cups to date and the previous two, so are again strong favourites to retain their title. New Zealand are 6/5 outright favourites and South Africa around 8/1.

Pool C includes England, France, Argentina, USA and Tonga. England are the favourites to top the group at 2/5 and it would be a surprise were they to fail to do so. It then looks likely that France and Argentina will be battling it out for the runner up spot. England are also the outright second favourites for the competition at 4/1, with France at 25/1 and Argentina 40/1. England will of course be looking to win their second World cup following their victory back in 2003.

Pool D sees the Six Nations winners Wales face off against Australia, Fiji, Georgia and Uruguay. Following this victory, Wales are now the favourites to top the group at 4/5, with Australia a point shorter at evens. It would be a major shock if the pair were not to dominate over the others in the group. Wales are the general third favourites to lift the trophy at 6/1, with Australia around 12/1.