Ireland and Wales’ Odds Worsen Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2019
- The odds of Wales and Ireland winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup are trending the wrong way
- Ireland went from +500 on January 7th to +560 on July 4th
- The odds on Wales moved from +600 to +660 over the same time period
Can Ireland finally get over the hump? Is it time for Wales to shine?
The oddsmakers aren’t nearly as sold on these ideas as they used to be not so long ago. The chances of both European powers being champions have grown longer in the 2019 Rugby World Cup odds across an array of leading sportsbooks.
2019 Rugby World Cup Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | +110 |
| England | +450 |
| Ireland | +500 |
| Wales | +600 |
| South Africa | +900 |
*Odds taken on 07/05/19.
The Irish were +500 to win the title as recently as January 7th. Today, Ireland’s odds sit at +560. The betting market on the Welsh jumped from +600 on January 7th to +660 on July 4th.
The 2019 Rugby World Cup is slated for Sept. 20-Nov. 2 in Japan.
All Over the Map
The form charts among the world’s leading rugby nations have taken several twists and turns in recent months.
During the 2018 season, South Africa traveled to New Zealand and shocked the reigning Rugby World Cup champion All Blacks 36-34. At Dublin’s Aviva Stadium in November, Ireland posted an impressive 16-9 verdict over New Zealand.
Rugby experts were ready to classify the Irish as the no. 1 team in the world. But then came the Six Nations earlier this year. Ireland opened the tournament by absorbing a 32-20 drubbing at the hands of England in the same stadium where they’d beaten the All Blacks.
Before the English could puff out their chests, Wales tumbled them 21-13.
Will the Irish Be Drawn and Quartered Again?
Historically, Ireland tends to follow a specific pattern at the Rugby World Cup. In eight previous tournaments, once the Irish failed to advance from pool play. The seven other times, they’ve lost in the quarterfinals.
Argentina beat Ireland in the quarterfinals in 2015 and 1999. Wales eliminated them at this stage in 2011. France (2003, 1995) and Australia (1991, 1987) also send Irish eyes home weeping following quarterfinal setbacks.
Are the Welsh Worth a Bet?
Wales has twice reached the semifinal stage at Rugby World Cups, in 1987 and 2011.
Coach Warren Gatland’s team has won 14 matches in a row, a new mark for the country in international play. Wales ranks #2 in the world behind only New Zealand.
Their last defeat was handed them by Ireland in February of 2018. During their record winning streak, Wales have beaten every team in the top eight of rugby’s world rankings with the exception of the All Blacks.
Are Either Worth a Play?
The Irish appear to have peaked too soon and aren’t the same squad that won the 2018 Six Nations. But Wales is a deep, well-coached side that should be in with a real chance to do some damage.
Two weeks of @rugbyworldcup training complete ☑
Pythefnos o ymarfer dwys yn y banc ? #HWFN pic.twitter.com/FP9581YO7Z
— Welsh Rugby Union ? (@WelshRugbyUnion) June 28, 2019
New Zealand remain the team to beat, but don’t look unbeatable. If you’re seeking a price, Wales could prove worth the investment.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
