At the onset of any international rugby competition, New Zealand is the first team that everyone looks up to. The All Blacks are the most successful team in the history of the game. New Zealand has won the World Cup three times with the most recent in 2015. However, this year South Africa beat the Rugby betting odds To claim their third World Cup and second since 2007. Everyone is already pointing to 2023 and the next Rugby World Cup in France. New Zealand is likely to be the favorite once again. But a host of other nations are catching up.
2019 Rugby World Cup
Most of all the 2019 Rugby World Cup caught attention for being held in Asia for the first time. Japan proved to be an excellent host for the event. Typhoon Hagbis did affect three matches, but the rest of the event was first class. Concurrently in final South Africa scored the sports betting win over England 32-12. Traditional power New Zealand had to settle for bronze after beating Wales in that final. Attendance for the Rugby World Cup averaged 37,877 which was illustrative of the interest in the event. South Africa’s Handre Pollard was top scorer with 69.
2023 Rugby World Cup
France will host the 2023 Ruby World Cup. The account of the 200-year anniversary of the game will be a special celebration. France last hosted the Rugby World Cup in 2007. There will be a total of 20 nations competing to earn qualification for France. Overall a total of just 12 teams out of the 20 will make it. There will be a total of five regions hosting the qualifying rounds. Specifically, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, and South America are the five.
Men’s World Rugby Rankings
Extending their championship at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in South Africa’s status on the Men’s World Rugby Rankings. South Africa is ranked number one with New Zealand and England third. Next, are Wales, Ireland, Australia and France. Japan, Scotland, and Argentina round out the top ten. Fiji, Italy, Tonga, Georgia, and Samoa rank 11 through 15. Spain, United States, Uruguay, Romania, and Russia complete the top 20.
South Africa
Also known as the “Springboks” South Africa has been playing on the international stage since 1891. They were not allowed into the World Cup until 1995 due to Apartheid. Since their debut, the Springboks have quickly emerged as a favorite with the Rugby Betting Odds. Consider they have been ranked number one in the world several times beginning in 2007. New Zealand now has a bona fide rival that has proven its championship mettle. To be exact South Africa has now equaled New Zealand with three World Cup titles.
New Zealand
Commencing with their tradition of excellence has New Zealand served as Rugby’s marquee brand. No team gets more betting action than the All Blacks. This notoriety has served to make them something of an overlay at sportsbooks. With their record of dominance New Zealand simply attracts far too much in the way of casual public money. Fans that know nothing about the sport know about the All Blacks.
England
On the whole, England may be the most underrated team for International Rugby. They won the World Cup championship in 2003 and were runners up in 2019.