Heavyweights Flex Muscles at Rugby World Cup
As rugby betting markets show, the best teams in the world are playing well at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The likes of New Zealand, Ireland, France and South Africa are still in the hunt as the quarterfinals loom.
All Blacks Beat Minnows
Following their opening loss to France, the All Blacks have made short work of their opponents.
They covered a -35½ point spread with the sportsbook against Italy when almost scoring 100 points. It showed the difference between the top teams and the minnows.
New Zealand then defeated Uruguay 73-0 on Thursday, so it’s flying into the quarterfinals, but the biggest test is to come.
Former All-Black Andy Ellis believes they’re peaking at the right time.
“They said from the start they wanted to peak at the right times in this tournament and they’ve been building for that nicely,” Ellis told the media.
“They’ve had some of their injured guys coming back in the past weeks, which has boosted the side and strengthened the bench.”
A meeting against Ireland is on the cards due to an error with the ranking system. Ireland is ranked No. 1 in the world, but the rankings were taken four years ago.
Make sense? No, which means two of the best teams in the Rugby World Cup meet early in the knockout stage.
Rugby betting odds saw the All Blacks firm following the win over Uruguay. Not allowing a point after 80 minutes is a fair effort, regardless of the level of opposition.
Can Ireland Progress?
Despite being the best team in world rugby according to rankings, Ireland has yet to progress past the quarterfinals.
Boasting a team packed with internationally-born players, Ireland has its best chance to make a deep run, and sports betting markets give it every chance.
The Irish flexed their muscles when beating South Africa in a tense battle, which holds them in good stead.
Betting online markets firmed their odds to +300 following the win, and they remain one of the favorites for the tournament.
Ireland plays a rush defense, which gives the All Blacks problems. It has a great chance to score a rare World Cup win over the Kiwis, and bettors should expect Ireland to pay around +110 in that upcoming game.
Australia Down and Out
Once upon a time, Australia was good at rugby. Now, it’s going through its worst period in history.
All but knocked out before reaching the quarterfinals, the Wallabies are in troubled waters.
They lost to Wales 40-6 and Fiji 22-15, which is unheard of for a once-great team, and now questions are being asked.
Coach Eddie Jones had an interview for a coaching role with another team just days before leaving for the World Cup, which didn’t set a good precedent.
Australia hosts the next World Cup, so unless something drastic changes, it could be a long four years for the Wallabies, who have fallen off the face of the earth.
