2023-11-23

Rugby Union World Cup

After an incredible tournament, the Rugby World Cup comes to a close in dramatic fashion as England face South Africa.

When: Saturday 2nd November, Kick Off 9am UK time.

Where: International Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

Eddie Jones believes his players have what it takes to clear this final hurdle and bring the World Cup back to England for the second time in the tournament’s history. England has always been a nation that has enjoyed rugby, but the general public definitely seem to have been swept up rugby fever.

Here are our Rugby Betting Tips and preview for the biggest game in world rugby.

England’s Rugby World Cup Results

England have not had an easy run to the final it has to be said. The group was routine and very much plain sailing, but at the quarter-final stage it was a mean-looking Australia side that stood in their way. However, England absolutely destroyed one of their oldest enemies and breezed through to the semi-final stage. How much of this was due to the extra rest having not played their final group match against France due to Hurricane Hagibis will be debated for a long time. The quality of the performance itself though will certainly never be questioned.

The same can be said for the game against New Zealand, with England very much going into the game as underdogs. New Zealand didn’t really stand much of a chance, and as soon as Owen Farrell was seen on camera smirking at the Haka, England fans will have had a good feeling about the match. Simply put, the All Blacks were blown away.

Group:

England 35-3 Tonga

England 47- 7 United States

England 39-10 Argentina

England N/A France (Cancelled)

Quarter-Final

England 40-16 Australia

Semi-Final

England 19-7 New Zealand

South Africa’s Rugby World Cup Results

South Africa started the tournament with a defeat, but in fairness, it was in one of the most difficult games they could possibly have had against New Zealand. Mammoth victories against Namibia, Italy and Canada followed before they destroyed the hopes and dreams of the home nation Japan in the quarter-final. Wales were subsequently seen off in the last four which has taken the Springboks into the World Cup Final once again.

Group:

South Africa 13-23 New Zealand

South Africa 57-3 Namibia

South Africa 49-3 Italy

South Africa 66-7 Canada

Quarter-Final

South Africa 26-3 Japan

Semi-Final

South Africa 19-16 Wales

Rugby World Cup Final Betting Tips & Odds

ENGLAND TO WIN THE WORLD CUP - ODDS: 2/5

Although it is not the same players or regime, England will be looking to exact revenge for their defeat in the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final against South Africa in a 15-6 defeat. The Red Roses are the favourites to lift the trophy, so it will be very interesting to see how they react to that tag, especially after going into the semi-final as underdogs.

SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN THE WORLD CUP - ODDS: 2/1

At 2/1, South Africa will believe that they provide good online betting value. Having beaten England at this same stage 12 years ago, the country will have confidence that the Webb Ellis Trophy will be going home with them.

In World Cup matches overall, South Africa have beaten England three times, while they have only lost once. In the last five matches in any competition though, England have edged it three to two. Lastly, for our stats slog, South Africa have 25 overall head-to-head wins, while England have 15.

MAN OF THE MATCH: MAURO ITOJE - ODDS 8/1

England will have to defend extremely well for 80 minutes and potentially beyond if they are going to lift the trophy. This will mean that the forward pack will need to be tight and not let the Springboks through, so Mauro Itoje to win Man of the Match at odds of 8/1 may offer good value, especially after his terrific performance against New Zealand.