It’s crunch time in the Rugby World Cup. Well actually, I guess in rugby it’s always crunch time. It’s time for the semi-finals. After an unbelievable quarter-final stage saw the world number one team and hosts both knocked out, it’s time for the final four to battle it out. We’ve taken a look at the latest rugby odds and answered the crucial question: who will make it to the final?
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Rugby World Cup: The Final Four
After nearly a month of rugby, we’re finally down to the last four: Argentina, England, New Zealand and South Africa. After looking strong in the groups, the northern hemisphere sides have fallen away. With the final four battling it out for the Webb Ellis Cup, let’s take a look at the sides hoping to lift the famous trophy.
All the games from now on will be played at the Stade de France.
Argentina v New Zealand, Friday 20:00
It’s the two southern hemisphere sides battling it out in this one. It’s the first of the semis and the winners book themselves into the biggest game in rugby.
Argentina are the clear underdog here, with history and recent form working against them. Their victory was probably the upset of the quarter-finals. They head into Friday evening’s match as outsiders. In reaching the final four, Argentina have already exceeded expectations in this year’s tournament. However, they only managed to secure the second spot in what was considered one of the tournament’s weakest pools and Los Pumas suffered a disappointing 27-10 defeat at the hands of England in their biggest test.
But it’s not all bad news for the Argentinians. They bought into the ‘underdog mentality’ that has always served them so well. Us against the world. For this side, now in the final four, it’s a chance to silence some critics and surprise the rugby world. They’re 7.85 outsiders to take this one, produce another upset, and progress to the final.
On the flip side, New Zealand have come into form of late, and were at their very best in their 24-28 quarter-final triumph over the favoured Ireland. It was the match of the tournament so far.
New Zealand will be there or thereabouts on Friday. With world-class quality all over the pitch, it’s absolutely no surprise to find them here, even if they did lose their opener against the hosts France. Showing steely determination to dust themselves down and go again, this side now looks like a formidable force. Despite the challenges early on, they have since moved past it and have appeared at their best ever since.
They are stark favourites in this one at 1.05 to progress to the final. It’s unsurprising given their recent form and how good they were against Ireland. The Kiwis are now placed at 2.20 to lift the trophy and win a famous fourth World Cup.
England vs South Africa, Saturday 20:00
It’s a replay of the 2019 final here as the two rugby giants battle it out for a spot in the big one. It’s a game stacked with star quality all over the pitch and one that you certainly won’t want to miss.
Not many people, even your hardcore fans, would have backed England to get to this point. But, here they are. England just seem to get it done when it matters. Steve Borthwick’s team faced a stiff challenge in their quarter-final match against Fiji, with them only just coming out on top. Their quality just about shone through… just.
England held a 24-10 lead, but two converted tries from Fiji made the contest incredibly tense. It was Owen Farrell who ultimately secured a 30-24 victory with six consecutive points, including a skilfully executed drop-goal. They face an even more significant challenge as they now confront the defending champions. The champions emerged victorious in a thrilling match against France in Paris just hours after England’s own triumph.
It’s going to be their toughest test yet, no doubt. England are definite underdogs at 5.35 to beat the reigning champions and take another shot at the trophy. They are 13.00 to go all the way and lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
South Africa now hold the top spot in the world rankings, which is a well-deserved title. Their backline boasts flair, talent, and world-class quality, while their forward pack is widely regarded as the most intimidating force in international rugby. They have just beaten the host nation in their backyard and are now the clear favourites in the whole thing. Recent history is also in favour of South Africa, who famously shattered English hopes in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final.
But, they won’t want to slip up now. They are on the brink of famous back-to-back World Cups. They are 1.21 to progress to the final. They are also 1.91 to win both their remaining matches and win a famous fourth World Cup.
Rugby World Cup Betting Tips
Argentina to score first against New Zealand @ 3.21
Argentina shocked the Welsh with their cavalier style and really took it to them. They probably won’t go on to win this one but they could well draw first blood.
World Cup runners-up: England @ 7.50
England were unlucky last time out but seem to always come through in the clutch in big tournaments. They might be underdogs, but never write them off.
New Zealand to win the World Cup @ 2.20
They are just serial winners and probably the most in-form side at the moment. While they will need to get through the next two games they have the quality all over the pitch to become the only four-time winners.
*Odds subject to change.
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