Australian Odds On For Rugby World Cup

Australia are being put forward as bookmakers favourites after winning the Bledisloe Cup over the weekend against New Zealand. In a closely matched affair the Wallaby winger, James O’Conner landed a last minute penalty to seal the game 24-26. “I was pretty nervous to say the least.” the winger later commented.

Gramham Henry, the New Zealand coach said that Australia’s success was down to their ability to hold on to possession better and put the All Blacks under pressure. The result ends a 15 match winning streak for the Kiwis and is a clear indication of the task ahead of the Northern hemisphere teams as they prepare for the autumn internationals, starting next weekend.

Betting on Australia has been cut by many bookmakers to 3/1 to win next years Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, while their odds have slipped to 4/5 on the back of the result and Dan Caters injury problems and confidence. However, six months can be a long time in rugby terms and the results from the upcoming tour should be a good indicator of the competing teams rugby credentials.

The Wallabies have shown of late that they posses great strength in depth and with their new fullback Kurtley Beale, 22, settling into his international role, they look to have a dangerous talent for the future. Flyhalf, Quade Cooper also showed opponents once again how his cheek and guile can benefit the Australians and served as a warnging to Wales for next Saturday.

Other teams can only enhance their odds next weekend, which see Wales quoted as 33/1, while the other home nations see England 12/1, Ireland 28/1 and Scotland 100/1 outsiders of winning the 2011 World Cup.