Rugby World Cup Betting - What to Know to Bet on the RWC 2023
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In 2023, Rugby Union betting enthusiasts anticipate an exhilarating year. Following the remarkable Six Nations Championship, attention shifts to the Rugby World Cup this autumn. The excitement starts with France facing New Zealand on September 8th. While France aims for the Webb Ellis Cup, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa pose formidable challenges. Explore Rugby World Cup betting details ahead.
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🏆 Rugby World Cup Betting Odds – The Early Favourites
Everyone has their own opinion at this stage about who may win the Rugby World Cup. Below, I have listed the most likely teams to grab glory, according to the bookies.
| Team | .png) | .png) | .png) | .png) | .png) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 3.75 | 3.76 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| New Zealand | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Ireland | 4.50 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.50 |
1️⃣ France
France have improved immensely over the last few years, guided by the thaumaturgic management team of Fabien Galthié and Shaun Edwards. Given that the Rugby World Cup is being held in France, it is easy to see why so many see Les Bleus as one of the leading favourites to get their hands on the Webb Ellis Cup, given that their recent form will only be embellished with the home advantage. In the 2021 Six Nations Championship, France proved the power of the home advantage, having a won a Grand Slam title when they were able to play their hardest matches in France.
That being said, France have more than just agreeable venues to add to their World Cup ticket. The French boast a skilled and experienced team with the current World Rugby Player of the Year, Antoine Dupont to boot. Flair, command of the game, and sheer grit have kept the Europeans in the top three of the world rankings for another year.
On the other hand, France have yet to win the Rugby World Cup, having reached the final three times: in 1987, in 1999, in and 2011. Their closest encounter was in 2011, when they were robbed of the winning spot by a single point at Eden Park, 7-8. Will that change this year? A lot of pundits seem to think so.
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2️⃣ Ireland
Ireland are ranked the number-one team in the world at present, so it may seem a fool's game to some not to include them in the favourites for this World Cup. Although France were able to beat Ireland back in 2022, Ireland were able to reap revenge this year 2023. A lot could be said about the home advantage of playing in Dublin for the Six Nations finale, so playing in France for the World Cup could prove to be Ireland's downfall.
Ireland are another team that have yet to win a World Cup, and they have even struggled to get past the quarter-final stage, yet their recent performances still have them as the number-one international team - especially having claimed a historic tour series win against New Zealand, 1-2. The bookies still have France and New Zealand rated above Ireland to take the tournament, but perhaps this will be their year. The key question is how much we will see of Johnny Sexton, the Irish Talisman. With him, the Irish are a different team, so his leadership, alongside that of the Head Coach, Andy Farrell could prove all the difference.
3️⃣ New Zealand
The All Blacks are another favourite team to win the Rugby World Cup in 2023. They have won three titles to date: the inaugural 1987 edition, in 2011 and in 2015. Ian Foster, the New Zealand Head Coach will want to go out with a bang, knowing that he will be replaced with Scott 'Razor' Robertson after the World Cup, but perhaps this knowledge may work as a double-edged sword against New Zealand.
Many international coaches, fans, and pundits revere the All Blacks for the success they have built over their 120-year run - it is hard to argue with a success rates of 76% of matches won. Statistics like these have created an aura for the Kiwis that puts the fear into other teams and gives them a psychological advantage. The Haka, too, only furthers the mental jiu-jitsu that goes on pre-game, helping them to win important battles before the first whistle has even blown.
The All Blacks may not have shown their best over the last few years, but rugby fans would be careless to write them off in a World Cup. Perhaps the bookies could be right and the Kiwis may shine again this year.
🌍 Rugby World Cup Pools Odds
There are a few ideas about who will storm to glory this year - I even had one friend explain in excruciating detail why the unpredictable nature of the RWC means Chile will be the dark horses of the competition - but below, I have included my Rugby World Cup betting tips, with odds from my favourite betting sites, for who will win each pool and who will ultimately engrave their names on the Webb Ellis Cup in 2023.
Pool A Winner Odds
| Team | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 1.73 | 1.83 | 1.95 | 1.83 | 1.80 |
| New Zealand | 2.00 | 1.98 | 1.95 | 1.98 | 2.00 |
| Italy | 67.00 | 66.90 | 81.00 | 67.00 | 56.00 |
| Namibia | 1001.00 | 501.00 | 1001.00 | 999.00 | 751.00 |
| Uruguay | 1001.00 | 501.00 | 1001.00 | 999.00 | 751.00 |
Punters' two favourite teams to win the Rugby World Cup are in this pool, and I predict one of them will likely be the winners of this pool. New Zealand have historically beaten France the most number of times, with the Kiwis winning 48 times out of 62 compared to France's 13 and a draw. Having said that, I believe France will finish top of the table with a win against the All Blacks because of the winning combination of Fabien Galthié and Shaun Edwards. Now not just relying on flair and an open-running game, the French have developed one of the best defensive systems of any international team, which is why the last time France played New Zealand, they won 40-25. For that reason, I think France are going to top Pool A and New Zealand will be steady runners-up.
Italy, Uruguay, and Namibia have earned the right to compete in the tournament, but I, like most rugby world cup betting fans, don't expect to see any upsets.
My Pool A winner prediction: France @ 1.73
Pool B Winner Odds
| Team | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 1.83 | 1.83 | 2.10 | 1.83 | 1.91 |
| South Africa | 2.25 | 2.22 | 1.83 | 2.20 | 2.25 |
| Scotland | 8.00 | 8.74 | 13.00 | 8.75 | 9.00 |
| Tonga | 101.00 | 1.63 | 151.00 | 165.00 | 201.00 |
| Romania | 1001.00 | 501.00 | 1001.00 | 999.00 | 751.00 |
South Africa are the defending Rugby World Cup champions, and Ireland are the current number-one team in the world rankings. Scotland have so far had a good season in 2023, but are they able to compete with the likes of the Springboks and the Irish? I think not. As such, I believe this is going to be a two-horse race, as I don't believe tier-two nations Romania and Tonga will serve as much more than warm-up games for the quarter-finals.
South Africa have, over the years, won 18 times out of 27 against the Men in Green, with the Irish getting their own back eight times and there being one draw. Again, I am going to go against the history books, as there has been a real resurgence of Northern Hemisphere international sides of late. Andy Farrell, the Irish Head Coach, has taken Ireland to new heights, and in their last two encounters, Ireland have beaten South Africa. As such, I am predicting Ireland to be first in Pool B and for the Springboks to find themselves a comfortable second.
My Pool B winner prediction: Ireland @ 1.83
Pool C Winner Odds
| Team | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 1.29 | 1.33 | 1.44 | 1.33 | 1.50 |
| Wales | 3.50 | 3.41 | 3.50 | 3.40 | 2.85 |
| Fiji | 21.00 | 20.90 | 6.50 | 21.00 | 21.00 |
| Georgia | 41.00 | 40.64 | 81.00 | 41.00 | 51.00 |
| Portugal | 251.00 | 498.00 | 501.00 | 500.00 | 501.00 |
New/old Australian Head Coach, Eddie Jones is creating quite a stir in rugby circles. If you can believe the Australian press, the Aussies have already won the World Cup, but we shall see if Eddie has made any real difference when they play New Zealand and Argentina in the Rugby Championship before the autumn.
Wales have waned dramatically over the last few years, and returned Head Coach, Warren Gatland, as seen in the Six Nations, has yet to breathe any fire into the Welsh Dragon. That being said, I can not see the tier-two nations, Fiji, Georgia, and Portugal being ready to challenge the bigger rugby nations, so I don't believe Wales will have to put up too much of a fight to scrape through to the quarter-finals. As such, I have to give it to Australia to coast through the group stage and Wales to be hanging onto their coat tails as runners-up in Pool C.
My Pool C winner prediction: Australia @ 1.29
Pool D Winner Odds
| Team | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 1.36 | 1.33 | 1.80 | 1.33 | 1.40 |
| Argentina | 3.00 | 3.18 | 2.05 | 3.20 | 3.25 |
| Japan | 21.00 | 20.70 | 29.00 | 20.75 | 21.00 |
| Samoa | 501.00 | 149.00 | 29.00 | 150.00 | 201.00 |
| Chile | 1001.00 | 501.00 | 1001.00 | 975.00 | 751.00 |
I think English fans will consider themselves lucky about finding themselves in Pool D. The only two sides that I can predict coming through the group are England and Argentina. Japan may be a side that have continued to get better over the years, but they have yet to beat the likes of England, and Samoa and Chile do not see enough international time against the bigger sides to be anywhere near the mark.
Out of the two sides, then, England have beaten Argentina 19 times to Los Pumas' five times, with one draw wrapping up the history books. In their last test, Argentina were able to win away, clawing victory by a single point, 29-30, and claiming the Argentinians' first win at Twickenham in 16 years. Nevertheless, I think the Summer Internationals, make or break as they may be for England, will give Steve Borthwick's men enough of a chance to build a good run going into the World Cup that they will at least be able to top Pool D. How well they do after that is certainly up for debate.
My Pool D winner prediction: England @ 1.36
💯 Rugby World Cup Outright Odds
| Team | | | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 3.75 | 3.76 | 3.75 | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| New Zealand | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Ireland | 4.50 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.50 |
| South Africa | 5.50 | 5.55 | 6.00 | 5.50 | 5.00 |
| Australia | 10.00 | 10.04 | 10.00 | 10.00 | 10.00 |
| England | 11.00 | 9.89 | 10.00 | 9.95 | 10.00 |
| Argentina | 29.00 | 28.58 | 29.00 | 28.25 | 34.00 |
| Scotland | 34.00 | 35.86 | 26.00 | 35.50 | 21.00 |
| Wales | 34.00 | 29.73 | 29.00 | 29.75 | 26.00 |
| Fiji | 251.00 | 241.00 | 201.00 | 245.00 | 151.00 |
| Japan | 301.00 | 246.00 | 101.00 | 250.00 | 301.00 |
| Italy | 501.00 | 469.00 | 501.00 | 490.00 | 251.00 |
| Samoa | 501.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | 500.00 | 501.00 |
| Tonga | 501.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | 500.00 | 501.00 |
| Georgia | 1001.00 | 501.00 | 301.00 | 510.00 | 751.00 |
| Namibia | 5001.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | 999.00 | 1501.00 |
| Romania | 5001.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | 999.00 | 1501.00 |
| Uruguay | 5001.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | 999.00 | 1501.00 |
| Chile | 5001.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | - | 1501.00 |
| Portugal | 5001.00 | 501.00 | 501.00 | - | 1501.00 |
France and New Zealand are the punters' favourites to win the 2023 Rugby World Cup, followed by Ireland. I think there is some merit to that thinking, but I can see it being an Ireland v France final. Both teams have proved that they thrive on the home advantage, as shown in the last two Six Nations, so the game being played in France should give Les Bleus the opportunity to become the second team in the Northern Hemisphere to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
Sadly for Ireland, the team has a reputation for choking in the later stages of World Cups, and although they may be able to overcome some of the psychological pressure of this and reach the final, I believe they will be beaten by the better team on the final day. My prediction for the Rugby World Cup top three, in order, are France, Ireland, and New Zealand.
My Rugby World Cup 2023 Outright Winner: France @ 3.75
✔️ Rugby World Cup Betting Tips for 2023
The Rugby World Cup offers more than just outright odds for teams to win their respective pools or the competition as a whole. Punters may also bet on outcomes in individual matches, as I will go through below.
Match Winner
20 teams will compete in 48 tests for the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and bettors will have the chance to pick who they think will win each match or if there will be a draw. As this is the easiest betting option, it can be a great one for those looking to start their rugby betting journey. It can also be lucrative for more experienced players if they believe the bookies' favourites may come up short at the final whistle - such was the case in the first semi-final of 2019 when England grabbed a shock victory against New Zealand and those that bet that way won at average odds of 3.60.
Top Tip 1: Teams in the world top five have vastly outperformed lesser teams, especially those outside of the top ten, in World Cups, but don't be fooled! Surprise results like Japan's 34-32 victory against South Africa in the 2015 group stage still occur.
Top Tip 2: A draw in a match is rare, but there have been nine tied matches in Rugby World Cup history, including three cancelled matches recorded as 0-0 draws due to Typhoon Hagibis in 2019. Bookies therefore offer extremely long odds for this outcome - perhaps worth consideration for pool games that you think may turn up an unlikely result.
Handicap Betting
You may be able to grab great match winner odds for games that bookies are struggling to predict the outcome, but matches that have a clear favourite may have much shorter odds than you would like - or you may not fancy a punt on the underdog, even at inflated odds. In these instances, handicap betting can be one way to lengthen your odds, albeit introducing greater risk, by introducing a hypothetical advantage or disadvantage of points to one of the teams. A good example of this is when I gave a tip of Ireland to win (-9.5) points in my Six Nations Scotland v Ireland prediction at odds of 2.13 compared to the match winner odds of 1.32. Because the final score ended up at 7-22 in Ireland's favour, a difference of 15 points, successful punters would have claimed total returns of over 60% extra in comparison.
Top Tip 3: Not all bookies will offer the same range of handicap betting odds for the Rugby World Cup as others. See our Rugby World Cup betting sites section for more, and remember only to bet on handicap selections with which you are comfortable.
Winning Margin
Similar to handicap betting, selecting a winning margin means gambling on a winner and what the points difference in a match will be. Whereas a handicap bet will add or subtract hypothetical points to a team's real-life score and any correctly guessed win will return a successful bet, a winning-margin bet requires a punter to guess which team will win and for the score to be within a specific bracket - e.g. 1-7 points, 8-14 points, &c. Each bracket usually has a range of seven points (or a converted try's worth), but these can vary from bookie to bookie.
Top Tip 4: Winning-margin bets can provide some of the best odds for rugby matches, but bettors beware! Your team selection could go on to win the match and you could still lose your bet if your team outperforms your expectations. I would not recommend predicting winning margins if you are new to rugby betting and not familiar with the teams in play.
First-Half Winner
A team winning at the half may not always go on to win a match, which is why bookmakers offer odds on which team will be in the lead at the 40-minute mark. The same options usually apply as for the match winner, so you are able to choose if Team A or Team B will be winning or if the half-time score will be tied. Some bookies even offer half-time/full-time winner odds where you can bet on the winner of both halves, with nine possible combinations available.
Top Tip 5: The ultimate score of a rugby match does not always indicate the full tale of play. Teams like the All Blacks, for example, have built a formidable reputation for success because not only are they able to impress fans when they are winning, but they are also capable of transforming deficits at the half into come-back victories at the final whistle. For this reason, consider the full picture of how you thing a rugby match will unfold before simply trying to double up any match-winner bets.
Tries
Different bookmakers offer different markets for tries, including the first or last individual try-scorer of a match, the first or last team to score a try, the total number of tries in a match, or if there will be an odd or even number of tries in a game. These markets are not available with every bookie, so check out our recommended Rugby World Cup betting sites for these options.
Top Tip 6: Wingers may be seen as the traditional try-scorers, but the modern game has developed so that any player on the field represents a serious attacking threat. Teams with flair in the backs like France may make good use of players like Damian Penaud on the wing, but with skilful line-breakers such as Gaël Fickou in the mix, they don't have to rely only on scoring in the corner. Likewise, teams like Ireland with power in the forwards are also able to create huge momentum from quick break-downs, which is why players like Caelan Doris are able to find the line from short range, as he did in the first two minutes of the Wales v Ireland Six Nations 2023 match.
Top Tip 7: Consider the conditions before placing any bet on a try-scorer. Although you may expect greater use of the backs on afternoons with clear, dry weather, when the wind and rain sets in, many teams will switch to forwards play in an effort to keep the ball in hand and to save unforced errors; therefore the chance of a first try from one of the pack dramatically increases.
Accumulator Betting
Placing an accumulator bet of multiple selections can be a great way for those that enjoy wagering smaller sums to lengthen their odds and increase their potential returns - albeit at at greater risk of one or more results spoiling the rest of the bet. Some bookmakers will have restrictions as to which selections may be grouped together, but it can be a great way to combine odds in one match with a bet on another.
Top Tip 8: Whilst adding more and more selections to your betting slip may seem appealing for the increase in potential returns, the increased risk can lead to what could have been successful accumulators coming up short. Therefore, it is best to stick to markets on which you are comfortable betting and only to wager as much on an accumulator as you be comfortable with betting on single bets. Always remember to gamble responsibly!
🏉 Rugby World Cup Match Predictions
Steven's 2023 prediction accuracy: ✔️ 85.14%
My Rugby World Cup predictions are now live! Find out who my match winners for every match of the 2023 tournament will be, including odds, betting tips, and more.
💪 What Are the Best Rugby World Cup Betting Sites
1️⃣ BoyleSports: Best Site for RWC Free Bets
When gamblers think of betting in Ireland, a handful of bookmakers jump to mind - one of the first of those, if it's not the predominant thought, is BoyleSports. The bookie offers 41 sports, including rugby odds for the Premiership, Top 14, Super Rugby Pacific, Currie Cup, the Heineken Cup, Major League Rugby, and international competitions such as the Six Nations and (obviously) the Rugby World Cup. With betting markets for the match winner, handicap winner, total points, and tries over and under, there is plenty of action for you to try out.
There is also the option for new players to claim a welcome bonus of up to €40 in free bets after your first deposit of €10 or more - terms and conditions apply - so there is a lot to rave about.
Read the BoyleSports review for more.
2️⃣ TonyBet: Best Site for Handicap Betting
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Founded by Lithuanian-Australian pro poker player, Tony G, TonyBet offers Irish players a fantastic experience for betting on rugby. Offering all of the expected markets such as the Premiership, Top 14, and Super Rugby, the up-and-coming bookmaker also gives players the chance to have a flutter further afield on competitions such as the Queensland Premier Rugby and NSW Shute Shield. Plus, TonyBet offer an incredible array of handicap odds for most individual matches, averaging around 40 options per game.
New players are able to grab a welcome bonus of 100% up to €100 with your first deposit of €10 and up, so the extra credit could be applied to a few World Cup bet - terms and conditions apply.
Read the TonyBet review for more.
3️⃣ Betway: Best Site for Betting Markets
Betway is a name that most bettors will recognise across Ireland. The bookmaker hosts a plethora of betting options across 34 different sports, but their catalogue of rugby markets is what makes them special to me, allowing you to bet on the match winner, handicap winner (European and Asian variants), total points, winning margin, total penalties scored, total successful drop goals, time of first try, whether the first try is converted, who will be a try-scorer at any time, and a bucket-load more.
The bookmaker offers the sort of entry promotional offer that you would expect, allowing new Irish punters to claim a welcome bonus of up to €30 in free bets for a minimum first deposit of $10 - terms and conditions apply.
Read the Betway review for more.
🎁 Best World Cup Betting Offers
Interested in finding the best free-bet offers for the Rugby World Cup? Here are a few that I believe are worth checking out.
| Sportsbook | Offer | Visit Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Claim €250 in free bets | |
| Matched deposit of 100% up to €100 | |
| Up to €30 in free bets | |
| Get €10 in Free Bets | |
| Bet €10, get €30 in free bets | |
.png) | Bet €10, get €30 in free bets + €10 casino bonus | |
.png) | Matched deposit of 100% up to €100 | |
 | Up to €40 money back if first bet loses | |
 | Bet €10, get €40 in free bets | |
 | Matched deposit of 100% up to €100 |
Terms and conditions apply. All terms and conditions may be found on the respective bookmaker's website.
📊 Pools and Group-Stage Stats
As the tournament progresses, I will update the tables below so that you can keep up to date with how each team's Rugby World Cup campaign is progressing.
Pool A
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points For | Points Against | Points Difference | Tries For | Bonus Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 210 | 32 | +178 | 27 | 2 | 18 |
| New Zealand | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 253 | 47 | +206 | 38 | 3 | 15 |
| Italy | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 114 | 181 | -67 | 15 | 2 | 10 |
| Uruguay | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 65 | 164 | -99 | 9 | 1 | 5 |
| Namibia | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 37 | 255 | -218 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Pool B
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points For | Points Against | Points Difference | Tries For | Bonus Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 190 | 46 | +144 | 27 | 3 | 19 |
| South Africa | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 151 | 34 | +117 | 22 | 3 | 15 |
| Scotland | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 146 | 71 | +75 | 21 | 2 | 10 |
| Tonga | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 96 | 177 | -81 | 13 | 1 | 5 |
| Romania | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 32 | 287 | -255 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Pool C
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points For | Points Against | Points Difference | Tries For | Bonus Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 143 | 59 | +84 | 17 | 3 | 19 |
| Fiji | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 88 | 83 | +5 | 9 | 3 | 11 |
| Australia | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 90 | 91 | -1 | 11 | 3 | 11 |
| Portugal | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 64 | 103 | -39 | 8 | 0 | 6 |
| Georgia | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 64 | 113 | -49 | 7 | 1 | 3 |
Pool D
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Points For | Points Against | Points Difference | Tries For | Bonus Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 150 | 39 | +111 | 17 | 2 | 18 |
| Argentina | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 127 | 69 | +58 | 15 | 2 | 14 |
| Japan | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 109 | 107 | +2 | 12 | 1 | 9 |
| Samoa | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 92 | 75 | +17 | 11 | 3 | 7 |
| Chile | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 27 | 215 | -188 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
🗓️ When Are the Rugby World Cup Matches 2023 Taking Place?
For those that fancy live betting or watching how their wager unfolds, I have included a full list of Rugby World Cup fixtures below.
| Match | Date (IST) | RWC Stage | Venue | Final Score | Winner | Prediction Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France v New Zealand | 20.15 8 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Stade de France | 27-13 | France | ✔️ |
| Italy v Namibia | 12.00 9 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 52-8 | Italy | ✔️ |
| Ireland v Romania | 14.30 9 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade de Bordeaux | 82-8 | Ireland | ✔️ |
| Australia v Georgia | 17.00 9 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Stade de France | 35-15 | Australia | ✔️ |
| England v Argentina | 20.00 9 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade de Marseille | 27-10 | England | ❌ |
| Japan v Chile | 12.00 10 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade de Toulouse | 42-12 | Japan | ✔️ |
| South Africa v Scotland | 16.45 10 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade de Marseille | 18-3 | South Africa | ✔️ |
| Wales v Fiji | 20.00 10 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Stade de Bordeaux | 32-26 | Wales | ✔️ |
| France v Uruguay | 20.00 14 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 27-12 | France | ✔️ |
| New Zealand v Namibia | 20.00 15 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Stade de Marseille | 71-3 | New Zealand | ✔️ |
| Samoa v Chile | 14.00 16 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade de Bordeaux | 43-10 | Samoa | ✔️ |
| Wales v Portugal | 16.45 16 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Stade de Nice | 28-8 | Wales | ✔️ |
| Ireland v Tonga | 20.00 16 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade de la Beaujoire | 59-16 | Ireland | ✔️ |
| South Africa v Romania | 14.00 17 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade de Bordeaux | 76-0 | South Africa | ✔️ |
| Australia v Fiji | 16.45 17 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 15-22 | Fiji | ❌ |
| England v Japan | 20.00 17 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade de Nice | 34-12 | England | ✔️ |
| Italy v Uruguay | 16.45 20 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Stade de Nice | 38-17 | Italy | ✔️ |
| France v Namibia | 20.00 21 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Stade de Marseille | 96-0 | France | ✔️ |
| Argentina v Samoa | 16.45 22 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 19-10 | Argentina | ✔️ |
| Georgia v Portugal | 13.00 23 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Stade de Toulouse | 18-18 | Draw | ❌ |
| England v Chile | 16.45 23 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 71-0 | England | ✔️ |
| South Africa v Ireland | 20.00 23 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade de France | 8-13 | Ireland | ✔️ |
| Scotland v Tonga | 16.45 24 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade de Nice | 45-17 | Scotland | ✔️ |
| Wales v Australia | 20.00 24 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 40-6 | Wales | ✔️ |
| Uruguay v Namibia | 20.00 27 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 36-26 | Uruguay | ✔️ |
| Japan v Samoa | 20.00 28 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade de Toulouse | 28-22 | Japan | ❌ |
| New Zealand v Italy | 20.00 29 Sep 2023 | Pool A | Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 96-17 | New Zealand | ✔️ |
| Argentina v Chile | 14.00 30 Sep 2023 | Pool D | Stade de la Beaujoire | 59-5 | Argentina | ✔️ |
| Fiji v Georgia | 16.45 30 Sep 2023 | Pool C | Stade de Bordeaux | 17-12 | Fiji | ✔️ |
| Scotland v Romania | 20.00 30 Sep 2023 | Pool B | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 84-0 | Scotland | ✔️ |
| Australia v Portugal | 16.45 1 Oct 2023 | Pool C | Stade Geoffroy-Guichard | 34-14 | Australia | ✔️ |
| South Africa v Tonga | 20.00 1 Oct 2023 | Pool B | Stade de Marseille | 49-18 | South Africa | ✔️ |
| New Zealand v Uruguay | 20.00 5 Oct 2023 | Pool A | Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 73-0 | New Zealand | ✔️ |
| France v Italy | 20.00 6 Oct 2023 | Pool A | Parc Olympique Lyonnais | 60-7 | France | ✔️ |
| Wales v Georgia | 14.00 7 Oct 2023 | Pool C | Stade de la Beaujoire | 43-19 | Wales | ✔️ |
| England v Samoa | 16.45 7 Oct 2023 | Pool D | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 18-17 | England | ✔️ |
| Ireland v Scotland | 20.00 7 Oct 2023 | Pool B | Stade de France | 36-14 | Ireland | ✔️ |
| Japan v Argentina | 12.00 8 Oct 2023 | Pool D | Stade de la Beaujoire | 27-39 | Argentina | ✔️ |
| Tonga v Romania | 16.45 8 Oct 2023 | Pool B | Stade Pierre-Mauroy | 45-24 | Tonga | ✔️ |
| Fiji v Portugal | 20.00 8 Oct 2023 | Pool C | Stade de Toulouse | 23-24 | Portugal | ❌ |
| Wales v Argentina | 16.00 14 Oct 2023 | Quarter-final 1 | Stade de Marseille | Argentina | 17-29 | ❌ |
| Ireland v New Zealand | 20.00 14 Oct 2023 | Quarter-final 2 | Stade de France | New Zealand | 24-28 | ❌ |
| England v Fiji | 16.00 15 Oct 2023 | Quarter-final 3 | Stade de Marseille | England | 30-24 | ✔️ |
| France v South Africa | 20.00 15 Oct 2023 | Quarter-final 4 | Stade de France | South Africa | 28-29 | ❌ |
| Argentina v New Zealand | 20.00 20 Oct 2023 | Semi-final 1 | Stade de France | 6-44 | New Zealand | ✔️ |
| England v South Africa | 20.00 21 Oct 2023 | Semi-final 2 | Stade de France | 15-16 | South Africa | ✔️ |
| Argentina v England | 20.00 27 Oct 2023 | Bronze final | Stade de France | 23-26 | England | ✔️ |
| New Zealand v South Africa | 20.00 28 Oct 2023 | Final | Stade de France | 11-12 | South Africa | ❌ |
📜 History of the Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup is a competition that has been played every four years by international teams, dating back to 1987 when it was co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The New Zealand All Blacks were the first team to win the World Cup, beating France in the final, 29-9. The Webb Ellis Cup for which the teams play is named after the legend of William Ellis, who, according to legend, inadvertently invented the game of rugby after picking up the ball and running down the field during a football match.
From 1987 to 1995, 16 teams competed for the cup in the final stages, with this number rising to 20 teams in the modern variant. A total of 25 nations have participated in the Rugby World Cup (excluding qualifying tournaments). The current holders are South Africa.
There has been some cracking rugby over the years, so let's take a look at some of my favourite moments.
Previous Winners
The Rugby World Cup has been won by four nations in total: Australia, England, New Zealand, and South Africa. The Kiwis have been the most successful side, considering all results, but they still share the record for the number of World-Cup wins with South Africa - both teams tied at three. The table below breaks down the results of the 13 teams to qualify for at least the quarter-finals round.
| Nation | Best Result (Last Achieved) | Winners | Runners-up | Third | Fourth | Quarter-finals | Top-Eight Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Winners (2015) | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
| South Africa | Winners (2019) | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 7 |
| Australia | Winners (1999) | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 9 |
| England | Winners (2003) | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
| France | Runners-up (2011) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
| Wales | Third (1987) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
| Argentina | Third (2007) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Scotland | Fourth (1991) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Ireland | Quarter-finals (2019) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 7 |
| Fiji | Quarter-finals (2007) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Samoa | Quarter-finals (1995) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Canada | Quarter-finals (1991) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Japan | Quarter-finals (2019) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Highlights from the Last Rugby World Cup
The 2019 Rugby World Cup offered fans a roller-coaster ride of results, with shock results from Fiji v Uruguay, 27-30; Japan v Ireland, 19-12; New Zealand v Italy, 0-0 in the group stages and a big semi-final win from England against New Zealand, 19-7 before the Europeans were roasted by the now current champions, South Africa, 12-32.
Check out the video below for World Rugby's top-ten tries of the tournament.
Rugby World Cup Highlights over the Years
2019 was not the only Rugby World Cup edition to showcase the best in international rugby, however. Below, I will take a look at some of the iconic moments in the sport's history.
South Africa v New Zealand, 1995
There were historic scenes at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg for the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when the hosts, South Africa clashed with the All Blacks. A Hollywood film, Invictus, was even made about the event. Nobody watching the game could predict a winner. Normal time ended at 9-9, and it took the opposing fly-halves, Andrew Mehrtens and Joel Stransky, to find the posts in extra time to separate them, 15-12. Plus, who can forget the South African President of the time, Nelson Mandela, garbed in the green and gold of a Springbok number-six shirt, presenting the Webb Ellis Cup to François Pienaar.
There was controversy at the winners' dinner, however, when the South Africans claimed that the World Cup iterations prior to 1995 didn't really count, given that they had not played in the previous competitions, to which the New Zealand players responded by getting up and storming out.
Australia v England, 2003
Australia seemed poised to win the 2003 Rugby World Cup on home territory, having finished top of Pool A with four wins and defeated Scotland in the quarter-finals and New Zealand in the semi-finals. England seemed they would be their closest rivals, equally the Aussies' group-stage four wins and having put to the sword Wales and France in the quarters and semis respectively, but many wondered if their quality would be enough to overthrow the hosts. There must have been 82,957 pairs of hands with severely chewed nails at the end of normal time, with the score deadlocked at 14-14. In the second minute of extra time, England's Jonny Wilkinson kicked his side to 17-14, but, not to be outdone, Elton Flatley equalised with a penalty. It took a heroic effort on the part of Matt Dawson to clear the way for Jonny Wilkinson to slot the all-important drop goal that secured the Northern Hemisphere its first ever Rugby World Cup title.
New Zealand v Australia, 2015
The 2015 final was one for setting records. New Zealand beat Australia, 34-17, to become the first team to win three Rugby World Cups and secure two back-to-back titles. It was also the first time that the All Blacks had claimed the title on foreign soil. On top of that, new records were also set for the number of tries scored in a World Cup final at five; the most points in a World Cup final at 51; the first player to receive a yellow card in a final, Ben Smith; 14 New Zealand players joining the two-time winners club; and Sonny Bill Williams, Jerome Kaino, and Sam Whitelock playing in a record 14th consecutive World Cup victory.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about the Rugby World Cup Betting
1️⃣ When will the RWC 2023 take place?
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will take place from the 8th of September till the 28th of October, with both the opening match and the final taking place at the Stade de France in Paris.
2️⃣ Who are the favourites to win the Rugby World Cup 2023?
The current bookies' favourites are France, New Zealand, and Ireland. I personally would consider betting on France at 3.75 odds, as I believe the home advantage will give them just enough to secure the title.
3️⃣ What are the odds for Ireland to win the Rugby World Cup 2023?
Ireland are the third favourites to win the Rugby World Cup, with odds being offered of 4.50 at BoyleSports, 5.00 at TonyBet, and 5.00 at Betway.
4️⃣ What are the best brands to bet on the Rugby World Cup?
My favourite brands I would recommend to bet on the Rugby World Cup are BoyleSports, TonyBet, and Betway. All three offer competitive odds, a wide array of betting markets, and generous welcome bonuses for new players.
5️⃣ Are there any Rugby World Cup free bets available?
Yes, BoyleSports and Betway both offer free bets which can be used on the 2023 Rugby World Cup. For more information, please see our free-bets section.
6️⃣ Who has won the Rugby World Cup the most number of times?
New Zealand and South Africa have both won the Rugby World Cup three times. The last time that either side lifted the Webb Ellis Cup was in 2019.
7️⃣ Which team won the RWC 2019?
South Africa are the current holders of the Rugby World Cup, having beaten England, 12-32, in the final at the International Stadium Yokohama.
✒️ Steven Brown - International Sports Writer and Tipster
This Rugby World Cup betting guide was written by Steven Brown.
Steven is an internationally revered rugby coach and sports writer. His insight with his predictions comes from his rugby coaching qualifications, successes coaching youth and men's teams in both hemispheres, and from analytical research into world rugby.
