The 2023 Rugby World Cup was a highly anticipated event for fans all over the world during the days that preceded it, but now that it has arrived, it has already started to live up to expectations.
We might still only be in the very early days of this year’s competition and no real shocks to have been made in the first slate of fixtures, but with the quality of play that is on the pitch, there is no doubt that the tournament will continue to grow and explode further into life as it progresses.
The Rugby World Cup provides an opportunity
Given the scale and magnitude of the event, there are a number of opportunities that the sport can benefit from, especially in terms of viewership and in exposure. It is no secret that the game is behind others in terms of popularity, with it perhaps only being enjoyed across a smaller part of the world in comparison to sports like football.
Nonetheless, with the Rugby World Cup being broadcast worldwide, it can give audiences the opportunity to watch what happens and potentially fall in love with the sport and everything that it has to offer. Additionally, with more people viewing, there may be a greater opportunity for those who are wagering on the matches that take place.
Bookmakers continue to regularly offer some of the best markets possible with the biggest sporting spectacles, and this one is no different from any other. Punters have been able to find a plethora of options available to them, with the ability to be able to bet on the top try scorer of the competition among them. Those who might be feeling lucky can take advantage of the 32 Red free bet welcome bonus and use it on who they believe will be the top try scorer.
Here is a look at the latest odds:
- Mark Telea (New Zealand) @ 5/1
- Damian Penaud (France) @ 6/1
- Kurt-Lee Arendse (South Africa) @ 8/1
- Will Jordan (New Zealand) @ 12/1
- Mark Nawaqanitawase (Australia) @ 12/1
- Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa) @ 16/1
- Josh Adams (Wales) @ 20/1
- Ben Donaldson (Australia) @ 20/1
Why is Mark Telea the favourite?
Although the All Blacks may have lost their 2023 Rugby World Cup opener against the hosts France 27-13 in Pool A, Mark Telea put in a performance that the Kiwis would be extremely happy and proud with.
The wing managed to score his sides only two tries in the match, thus making him one of the co-leaders in the standings of the top try scorer. That obviously puts him in a good position, and with Namibia, Italy, and Uruguay up next in this phase of the tournament, there are many who believe the wing can add even more to his total.
It is perhaps also important to note that Damian Penaud also scored a try in the encounter with New Zealand. The Les Bleus wing is another that is expected to be in contention for the top try scorer of the competition, and with France’s hardest game arguably out of the way, there are plenty of opportunities in Pool A for him to add to his tally before progressing to the next phase as many expect.
Who else could challenge?
Kurt-Lee Arendse is a favorite among bookies after he scored a try for South Africa in their 18-3 victory over Scotland. He is currently the only other man that has single-decimal odds being made available, although it would not be a shock if we were to see others come into the fold.
One name that is surprisingly not included in the list of favorites at this moment despite an impressive outing in their first match is Ireland’s Bundee Aki. The centre scored two tries in their rout of Romania, as they dismantled them 82-8. However, given the ease in which the Irish devastated their European opponents – and the fact that Tadhg Beirne, Johnny Sexton, and Peter O’Mahony all scored two tries each – it is perhaps hardly a surprise he was able to score two himself. Nonetheless, with the nature of the Rugby World Cup and how competitive it is, each team is going to need every player to step up. This could lead to some interesting try scorers across the event and perhaps even reveal some interesting names on the leaderboard for the most scored at certain points
