Who is the favourite for the Rugby World Cup?
by Yunchu Li | by Kevin Richard
Rugby World Cup 2023: the bookmakers' favourites
As you can read in our full Rugby World Cup prediction, a few teams stand out from the rest as favourites for this year's world title. Who are they? Which team are the bookmakers most expecting to win? We tell you all in this article.
France, favourites for their World Cup
Unsurprisingly, as can be seen from the Rugby World Cup odds for the opening match against New Zealand, France are the bookmakers' favourites for the 2023 World Cup. Having never won a title, the French team is one of the best in recent years, and will be hoping to capitalise on the support of its fans to win the trophy.
With the likes of Dupont, Ntamack and Fickou, France boast some exceptionally talented players and remain one of the teams most eagerly awaited by observers. Their average odds of 3.75 for the title are a reminder of this.
Register now!New Zealand used to high expectations
Behind the French team, the All Blacks are the bookmakers' second favourites for the 2023 World Cup. Beaten in the semi-finals of the last World Cup by England, Ardie Savea and his team-mates still have plenty to prove and will be formidable on any French pitch.
Already winners in 1987, 2011 and 2015, the New Zealanders are coming off a bronze medal in Japan and a number of interesting matches. Even if they have lost their former glory, the All Blacks are the second favourites for the 2023 World Cup according to the bookmakers (average odds 4.00).
Register now!Ireland Strongly Fancied for Success
Also fancied to do well in the Rugby World Cup are Ireland. They are rated at an average of 5.00 and could well go deep in this tournament. Earlier this year they showed just how good they can be when winning the Six Nations.
Never champions of the world, or even medallists for that matter, the Irish beat the French team in the last Six Nations in fine style. It is therefore only logical that Andy Farrell's men should play well in France.
Improvement needed by England
England are former world champions but have a job on their hands to lift the trophy this year. Their 2023 Six Nations performances didn’t indicate that they are future world champions. Their two games at home to France and away in Ireland saw them concede 82 points.
They also lost at home to Scotland and they only finished fourth overall. Wales or Australia are likely quarter final opponents with France or New Zealand possible semi final opponents. It will take a big improvement for them to be title contenders.
Bookmakers' favourites for the Rugby World Cup in England
Based on the odds offered by bookmakers in July 2023, here are the top nine in the betting for the 2023 Rugby World Cup:
- New Zealand - 3.50
- France - 3.75
- Ireland - 5.50
- South Africa - 5.50
- England - 11.00
- Australia - 11.00
- Argentina - 29.00
- Scotland - 29.00
- Wales - 29.00
Nine teams who have every chance of shining in French stadiums, and who you can follow every day on our Rugby World Cup live scores page.
