Tough Ireland value at 9-1 to rule the world

Sport Betting: 

REACTION to England’s opening-match victory over Fiji was mixed, but they didn’t look like potential Rugby Union World Cup winners.

I suppose the same can be said of tournament favourites New Zealand, who took all their time to overcome Argentina - so perhaps it’s a bit early to be reading too much into recent form.

As the tournament unfolds, a clearer picture will emerge, but one team who have hit the ground running are Japan, who defied huge odds to beat South Africa in the two nations’ opening match.

Was it a fluke? Maybe, as South Africa will get stronger. But given their performance, should Japan really have been 11-2 to overcome Scotland this afternoon?

My money was on the underdogs, despite their limited recovery time after their heroics against the Springboks. Today’s other games are Australia v Fiji (4.45pm) and France v Romania (8pm).

As for the tournament as a whole, there is zero mileage in the All Blacks’ quote of 6-5, while the 9-2 about England is only mildly attractive.

The fact that we have a large squad with strong players to come off the bench augurs well. But the backs’ handling will have to improve from the Fiji match and the lack of experience in the squad is a worry.

Ireland could spring a minor surprise in this World Cup. I reckon 9-1 is a fair price and will be having a wager.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Ireland to win tournament, 9-1 (general).