Looking at the odds listed by Ed below, Australia seem like good value at 11-1. Whilst much of the build up has focused on NZ, SA and France, Australia have snuck under the radar. Of the big nations, only England have had a worse few years, with mixed results, and a sub-standard pack bringing about Eddie Jones' demise. Since then, John Connolly has rebuilt the side under the motto "you've got to earn the right to go wide", laying forward platform that will allow them to play. The Aussies are a threat because they have a habit of producing mentally tough sportsmen who know how to peak at the right time (contrast against the mentally fragile South Africans). Four years ago they, like England, failed to get into top gear early on, but crucially upped their standards at the right times. In the 2003 semi-final they out-thought the All Blacks, and after inflicting a defeat on them in this year's Tri-Nations, they could pull it off again. Their pack may not bully other sides in the tight, but it can now hold its own, and their back row is one of the best. Meanwhile their backs may have less flair than their trans-Tasman rivals, but they are arguably the most clinical in the business, and if it came to another big clash with the Kiwis, there's nothing the Aussies love more than putting one over their supposedly more illustrious neighbours (apart from maybe beating England). Winning a World Cup is all about peaking at the right time, and at 11-1, Australia are a good shout to do the same thing again. If all goes according to form, they are set to meet England in the quarter-finals, and New Zealand in the semis. What chance a France-Australia final?
3 September 2007
Don't write off Australia
Looking at the odds listed by Ed below, Australia seem like good value at 11-1. Whilst much of the build up has focused on NZ, SA and France, Australia have snuck under the radar. Of the big nations, only England have had a worse few years, with mixed results, and a sub-standard pack bringing about Eddie Jones' demise. Since then, John Connolly has rebuilt the side under the motto "you've got to earn the right to go wide", laying forward platform that will allow them to play. The Aussies are a threat because they have a habit of producing mentally tough sportsmen who know how to peak at the right time (contrast against the mentally fragile South Africans). Four years ago they, like England, failed to get into top gear early on, but crucially upped their standards at the right times. In the 2003 semi-final they out-thought the All Blacks, and after inflicting a defeat on them in this year's Tri-Nations, they could pull it off again. Their pack may not bully other sides in the tight, but it can now hold its own, and their back row is one of the best. Meanwhile their backs may have less flair than their trans-Tasman rivals, but they are arguably the most clinical in the business, and if it came to another big clash with the Kiwis, there's nothing the Aussies love more than putting one over their supposedly more illustrious neighbours (apart from maybe beating England). Winning a World Cup is all about peaking at the right time, and at 11-1, Australia are a good shout to do the same thing again. If all goes according to form, they are set to meet England in the quarter-finals, and New Zealand in the semis. What chance a France-Australia final?
2 September 2007
Winners
Best value to win looks to be South Africa at 6-1, although many will be tempted by France at 7-1 and Australia at 11-1. For that shot in the dark that could bring in really decent cash for the cost of pint, how about Argentina at 67-1?
Winning and losing finalists
Picking the two finalists is never easy but New Zealand versus South Africa or New Zealand versus France would seem to be the most likely. Personally I probably wouldn't go near this bet but the best value looks like South Africa to beat the All Blacks at 19-1.
Top England Try Scorer
England aren't the sort of side that are going to score loads of tries through their wings, although the easier group games may give them a few easy ones, so I reckon betting on the likes of Perry (29-1 although not on this screenshot) or Wilkinson (41-1) has to be worth a go.
5 days to go
Just 5 days to go until the start of the World Cup and, as always, there is a lot of speculation about how the various sides will do. Whether you are the sort of person to put money down or not, the odds are always interesting to look at as they demonstrate the bookies thoughts....and they are far more reliable than the pundits as they stand to lose money if they gt it wrong. Above I've looked at 3 particular bets that may be worth making in my opinion at Bet365. Bear in mind that the odds may change by the time you place a bet and that there are no guarantees! To make your bet, click on the banner to the right of the page.
27 August 2007
My money is on the Boks......
If you assume that the All Blacks will choke as they seem to like to do and have shown evidence of looking like they might, then the sensible money has to be on South Africa. Whilst they struggled in the Tri-Nations, they are starting to hit their stride and looked powerfully fierce in the game against Scotland. Habana is someone who has the ability to rival the New Zealand back 3 and with the whole team looking to ship the ball in the tackle, their matches should provide enthralling rugby. I don't have much hope for England in their game against South Africa and can only hope that we manage to survive the game against Western Samoa to advance to the KO stages.............
26 August 2007
The starting XV
Everyone has an opinion on what the best starting XV would be for England so here's mine. There's no chance of it matching Brian Ashton's though!
15. Lewsey
14. Cueto
13. Tait
12. Catt
11. Robinson
10. Wilkinson
9. Perry
1. Sheridan
2. Regan
3. Vickery
4. Kay
5. Shaw
6. Worsley
7. Moody
8. Dallaglio
Subs: Mears, Stevens, Corry, Farrell, Noon, Gomarsall, Rees
You can compare this to Jeremy Guscott's starting XV here.
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