With the final pool stages being confirmed for the 2023 Rugby Union World Cup, betting sites around the globe have started updating their odds for the pool stages. Placing future bets such as outright winner or pool stage winner before the tournament can be a great way to get the best odds. If you’re looking for an Australian bookmakers list to back Rugby World Cup winners, these betting sites will have the most updated betting markets before and during the Cup. Let’s discuss how each pool is shaping up for the 2023 tournament.
Pool A
(New Zealand, France, Italy, Uruguay, Namibia)
There’s no doubt that the All Blacks and France will be battling for the top spot in Pool A. The two nations will meet in the World Cup opener on the 8th of September and that matchup will likely decide who finishes first. Recently, the French crushed the All Blacks 40-25 on their home turf and that broke 14 game winning streak for the New Zealanders. This will be a must-watch clash and a perfect way to kick off the tournament. We saw Japan have great success as a host nation in 2019 so France can definitely get close to the final in 2023 if they get momentum on their side.
Pool B
(South Africa, Ireland, Scotland, Tonga, Romania)
The South Africans are the defending champs but this looks like it could be a tricky group. Ireland has moved to the #1 nation in the World Rugby Union rankings and will pose a tough challenge. The two nations met recently in Dublin and the Irish came away with a close 19-16 victory. So hopefully the World Cup matchup on the 23rd of September is another thrilling encounter. Scotland could be a dark horse in the group as they should easily beat the likes of Tonga and Romania. They’ll be fired up for their rivalry matchup against the Irish on the 7th of October and could pull off a huge upset.
Pool C
(Wales, Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal)
Pool C is almost identical to Pool D in the 2019 World Cup so that gives us a good form guide. Ultimately, the Pool will likely come down to the clash between the Wallabies and Wales on the 24th of September. The Welsh won a tight affair in the 2019 Pool matchup 29-25, so the Aussies will be looking for revenge this time around. Recently, Australia did beat Wales in Cardiff 39-34 so this should be the game to watch in Pool C.
Pool D
(England, Japan, Argentina, Samoa, Chile)
England are one of the top favourites to win their first Rugby World Cup trophy since 2003. They’ve been placed in a very favourable Pool as it’s hard to see them not finishing first. Argentina will likely be their most challenging matchup along with Japan. While the Argentinians did beat England at Twickenham recently, their form can be inconsistent against the top nations. Meanwhile, Japan were one of the best stories as the host nation of the 2019 Cup as they topped Pool A against Ireland. Whether they can replicate the same performance away from home is a big question mark for the Japanese coming into the 2023 version.
