We are only a matter of months away from the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, and with the Six Nations Championship now complete, we have a better idea about who is best placed of the European-based teams to make a strong bid for the trophy.
Here is a look at who the oddsmakers see as the leading challengers for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Hosts France top the rugby union betting at 11/4 to win the World Cup for the first time in their history. It has been an excellent 18 months for Les Bleus, as not only did they win the Grand Slam at the 2022 Six Nations, but they were also named the Rugby Union Team of the Year at the end of 2022.
France suffered just one defeat in the defence of their Six Nations crown in 2023. They lost to the eventual winners Ireland. One of the highlights from their campaign was their 53-10 victory over England at Twickenham.
Over the last 18 months, France have had wins over Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa. With a home crowd behind them in the World Cup, they are seen as the team to beat this year.
Three-time World Cup winners New Zealand always go into this tournament as one of the most fancied teams to come out on top. They won the 2011 and 2015 editions of the competition, and they are 3/1 to prevail for the third time in the last four runnings of the event.
The All Blacks were unbeaten during the Autumn internationals at the end of 2022. They had wins over Japan, Wales and Scotland, while they drew 25-25 in an entertaining encounter against England at Twickenham.
With the tournament being held on European soil this year, it is going to be a strong challenge for New Zealand. However, they have shown over the last few years that this current crop of players is capable of beating the leading teams in the northern hemisphere.
After sweeping their rivals in the 2023 Six Nations, Ireland go into the Rugby World Cup full of confidence. That was their first Grand Slam success since 2018. They have now won 10 consecutive matches, with wins coming against Australia, New Zealand and South Africa in that run of results.
Andy Farrell’s side will not fear any team in France this autumn. They are third best in the betting at 4/1 to win the trophy for the first time.
South Africa went into the Rugby World Cup final against England in 2019 as the underdogs, but they were outstanding in the game in a 32-12 success. They are 8/1 to defend their crown in France later this year.
The Springboks had some mixed results at the end of 2022. They lost narrow matches to Ireland and France, but they also recorded comfortable wins against Italy and England. Given the experienced members in their squad, they are unlikely to be underestimated from having success again.
The opening games of the 2023 Rugby World Cup take place on the 8th of September, while the finale is scheduled for the 28th of October at the Stade de France in Paris.
