Background to the 2023 Rugby World Cup
As the countdown to the 2023 Rugby World Cup continues, it’s important to look back at the previous tournament to understand the current dynamics better. South Africa emerged as the champions in the 2019 edition held in Japan, defeating England in a riveting final. They arrive at this year’s tournament not just as defending champions but also as one of the hot favourites, especially after their resounding victory over New Zealand in their final warm-up match.
However, it’s not just about South Africa. A strong European challenge is anticipated, with France and Ireland leading the pack. France, the host nation, made a statement by crushing Australia in their pre-tournament warm-up, while Ireland, the Six Nations Grand Slam winners, have also made their intentions clear by thrashing England in a friendly.
The stage is set for a tournament bursting with talent and opportunities. For bettors, understanding the backdrop can provide valuable insights into team form, player dynamics, and, ultimately, betting odds.
Understanding The Relationship Between Venue and Betting
When it comes to betting on rugby, the venue can play a more significant role than one might initially think. The 2023 Rugby World Cup is spread across nine stadiums in nine French cities, each offering its own unique atmosphere and set of conditions. The grand finale is set to be held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, with a seating capacity of over 80,000—a factor that can certainly bring an electrifying edge to the game.
Aside from the crowd’s influence, the dimensions and pitch conditions of a stadium can also sway a match’s outcome. For instance, the Stade de Marseille and OL Stadium in Lyon are known for their expansive fields, which could favour teams with a fast-paced, expansive style of play.
Being mindful of these factors can give you a betting edge. For example, if a team known for their speedy wingers is playing at a venue with a larger pitch, you might want to consider betting on them to score the first try or win with a larger point margin.
Knowing the venue can also inform bets on intangibles, such as player morale and crowd influence, which could tip the scales in crucial moments. As a bettor, having a 360-degree view of all influencing factors, including the venue, can be the difference between a successful bet and a missed opportunity.
Teams and Pools of the 2023 Rugby World Cup
As we enter the 2023 Rugby World Cup, it’s crucial to understand the pool-stage format that serves as the tournament’s bedrock. Featuring 20 teams divided into four pools, each team faces every other team in its respective pool. The two top-performing teams in each pool, based on match points, will then advance to the quarter-finals.
For bettors, the pool stage is a goldmine of betting opportunities. The dynamics of each pool offer a blend of predictability and uncertainty, providing both safe bets and potentially rewarding risks. Let’s break down the team compositions and what they could mean for your betting strategy.
Pool A:
- New Zealand: Despite recent struggles, the All Blacks remain a powerhouse, making them a safe bet for match outcomes and tries scored.
- France: With home advantage and a promising squad, betting on France for individual match wins or even as tournament winners could prove profitable.
- Italy: While considered underdogs, Italy’s evolving game could make handicap bets or upset bets worthwhile.
- Uruguay: Mainly aiming for a third-place finish, bets involving Uruguay could be more long-term, such as qualifying for the next World Cup.
- Namibia: The ultimate dark horse, Namibia offers high-risk, high-reward bets such as first try scorers in specific matches.
Pool B:
- South Africa: As defending champions, South Africa is a solid choice for accumulator bets involving match wins.
- Ireland: Given their top world ranking, betting on Ireland to reach the finals or even win could offer good value.
- Scotland: Known for their unpredictability, Scotland offers an interesting option for in-play betting.
- Tonga: As a likely underdog, consider bets that exploit their strong defensive plays, like ‘under’ on total points.
- Romania: The least likely to advance but capable of giving tough matches, bets could focus on point differences rather than outright wins.
Pool C:
- Wales: A historically strong team but often a ‘nearly there’ side, Wales might be best suited for stage-of-elimination bets.
- Australia: Given their recent dip, betting against Australia in matches against higher-ranked teams could be a strategy.
- Fiji: Known for upsets, keep an eye on Fiji for surprise match wins or scoring first tries.
- Georgia: A team on the rise, consider Georgia for long-term bets like ‘to qualify for the next World Cup’.
- Portugal: Given their underdog status, high-risk bets like ‘first to score’ in particular matches could yield high rewards.
Pool D:
- England: Expected to dominate their pool, consider England for multi-match accumulator bets.
- Japan: The disruptor of the rugby world, Japan could be the go-to team for upset bets.
- Argentina: A consistent performer, Argentina could be a safe bet for reaching the quarter-finals.
- Samoa: Known for their physicality, Samoa might be an interesting choice for bets involving specific match events like scrums won.
- Chile: The lowest-ranked team, but capable of upsets, consider Chile for high-risk, high-reward bets.
Key Matches to Look Out For
As we navigate the thrilling landscape of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, certain matches stand out not just for their sporting spectacle but also for their immense betting potential. These high-stakes encounters could very well tip the scales in favour of certain teams and provide lucrative opportunities for insightful bettors.
France vs New Zealand (Pool A)
Kicking off the tournament, this match will set the tone for both teams and potentially affect the odds for the rest of the competition. With France enjoying home advantage and New Zealand keen to regain their rugby prestige, this is a match filled with betting potential. Consider odds on ‘total points scored’ or ‘first to score a try’ to capitalise on the unpredictable nature of opening games.
South Africa vs Ireland (Pool B)
Arguably the most anticipated match in Pool B, this encounter will likely decide the pool leader. Given South Africa’s defensive strengths and Ireland’s impeccable form, this match offers fascinating bets like ‘total tries scored’ or ‘winning margin’.
Wales vs Australia (Pool C)
A classic rugby rivalry, this match could very well determine who tops Pool C. Both teams have shown inconsistencies, making bets like ‘first half leader’ or ‘total points’ particularly interesting.
England vs Argentina (Pool D)
Both teams are expected to advance from their pool, but this match could decide who does so as the leader. With England’s recent lacklustre performances and Argentina’s consistent showings, handicap bets or ‘match winner’ could offer good value.
Betting Types and Strategies
Understanding the types of bets available and formulating a strategy can give you a significant edge.
Types of Bets
- Match Outcome: The most straightforward bet, simply predict the winner of a particular match.
- Handicap Betting: The bookmaker gives a point advantage to the underdog, making the bet more balanced and interesting.
- Total Points Over/Under: Bet on whether the total points scored in the match will be over or under a specified number.
- First Try Scorer: A high-reward bet where you predict which player will score the first try in a match.
- Top Try-Scorer: Bet on the player you think will score the most tries during the tournament.
- Overall Winner: A long-term bet on which team will lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
- In-Play Betting: Place bets during the match, taking advantage of fluctuating odds.
- Accumulator Bets: Combine multiple bets into one for higher potential returns, although all must win for you to cash in.
Strategies
- Data Analysis: Leverage player statistics, team form, and other data to make informed bets.
- Hedging: Place bets on different outcomes to minimise risk. For example, bet on both teams to score a certain number of points.
- Value Betting: Look for odds that you believe do not accurately reflect the likely outcome, aiming for long-term profitability.
- Bankroll Management: Allocate a specific budget for your bets and stick to it, ensuring you can sustain losses and continue betting.
- In-Play Adaptation: Use live matches to adjust your betting strategy, capitalising on game developments.
Get into the Betting Scrum at ZetBet
As the scrum sets and the whistle blows, the 2023 Rugby World Cup is more than just a showcase of world-class rugby, it’s an opportunity for clever punters. Every pass, try, and conversion offers a chance to prove your rugby acumen, predict the unpredictable, and, of course, win big. At ZetBet, we have all you need for a rewarding and enjoyable betting experience so don’t be a spectator, join the action and make this Rugby World Cup one to remember.