The 2023 Rugby World Cup is set to begin on September 8 from beautiful France. It is the home nation that will be taking on the fern-wearing All Blacks from New Zealand in the tournament opener.
It just so happens that those two Pool A squads are the top two teams in the Rugby World Cup odds with New Zealand favored at +275 and France right behind at +300.
2023 Rugby World Cup Odds
Odds as of September 8
Why Is NZ Favored To Win the World Cup?
It's no secret that when you think of rugby, the New Zealand All Blacks are front of mind with their sleek kits and intimidating pregame Haka.
If you don't know much more than that of the All Blacks it might come as a surprise that since the first Rugby World Cup back in 1987, of which New Zealand won, there's only been two nations to win the tournament three times — South Africa and New Zealand.
In 2019, it was the Springboks of South Africa that claimed its first title since 2007, while the All Blacks picked up a bronze — their worst finish since that same 2007 World Cup.
While NZ is top of the oddsboard at +275, it sits fourth in the world rankings and has shown some vulnerabilities over the last year or so. The All Blacks fell to Ireland, world No. 1, twice, South Africa twice, including a recent 35-7 defeat on Aug. 25, and even had a 25-25 draw with England at Twickenham last November.
In addition to recent form, trouble looms in the crossover for New Zealand if its able to get past France and secure the Pool A win or finish second behind France, a battle with Ireland or South Africa comes next — not good.
The public will be all over the All Black as per usual but I'm placing my money elsewhere.
2023 Rugby World Cup Best Bet
Ireland, Ireland! Together standing tall, shoulder to shoulder, we'll answer Ireland's Call!
Yes, world No. 1, Ireland at +450 is just too much value to pass up even staring down No. 2 South Africa in Pool B, this is the year for the Irish to bring the title back to the northern hemisphere for the first time in 20 years.
Andy Farrell's side have been on a tear leading into the World Cup, rattling off 13 straight wins, including their fourth-ever Six Nations grand slam. Within that tournament, the clovers scored a decisive 32-19 victory over France and as mentioned above, knocked off New Zealand twice last year.
On top of knocking off NZ, the Irish had an impressive Autumn in 2022, with home wins over South Africa (19-16), Fiji (35-17) and Australia (13-10).
If you're counting, that's wins over eight of the top-10 ranked teams in the world aside from themselves at No. 1 and no matches against No. 6 Argentina. That said, the Irish drubbed Argentina 53-7 in 2021 — for what it's worth.
2023 Rugby World Cup Pool Odds
Not looking to place a wager on the outright winner, perhaps choosing the pool winners is more up your alley.
Odds as of September 8
Odds as of September 8
Odds as of September 8
Odds as of September 8