Australia and England Ready For Rugby World Cup Showdown

The rugby World Cup is just a matter of weeks away now and the anticipation is almost at fever pitch.

The first game will take place on September 18 at the legendary Twickenham Stadium, with the hosts England taking on Fiji. They will be looking to showcase exactly why they are one of the bookmakers favourites for the tournament, alongside New Zealand, South Africa and Australia.

They face a stern test of their credentials in Pool A however, with the Aussies set to lead the way and a very strong Welsh side peeking over their shoulders for a quarter final qualification spot too. The rugby world knows exactly what Fiji are capable of on their day too.

Australia will be hoping that history repeats itself from the last time that England hosted the sport’s biggest prize; they lifted the trophy back in 1991 with a tight 12-6 victory over their hosts in the final.

Should they win Pool A as many expect them to, then they are likely to go on to meet either Scotland or Samoa in the last eight, and should they progress further then a semi-final tie with France or Argentina won’t necessarily keep them awake at night with worry either. That’s why many rugby fans are betting on them each way to win the tournament, as a final spot guarantees a payout. Remember, to keep up with all the latest World Cup odds and fixtures check out Betway.

Classy Kiwis

The last World Cup was held in New Zealand back in 2011, with the Kiwis going on to triumph 8-7 in a nervy final against France. They are the joint most decorated side in WC history with two wins (the Aussies and South Africa have won two as well), and Richie McCaw’s men will be looking to replicate that success here.

In truth they should breeze through Pool C, with Argentina putting up a good fight but Tonga, Georgia and Namibia proving trouble-free competition. That would set up a tricky quarter final clash with a handy Irish outfit or the ever-stubborn French.

Proteas Power

South Africa, another team with a brilliant World Cup pedigree, have perhaps the easiest pool in the competition, with the likes of Japan, Samoa, Scotland and the USA unlikely to muster up much resistance. If they top the group, a tough quarter final encounter with the runner up in Pool A – take your pick from Australia, England or Wales – beckons.

But that won’t provide much fear for the Proteas, who are currently ranked number two in the world and have one of the most powerful packs in world rugby; not to mention flying winger Brian Habana, one of the most deadly try scorers in World Cup history.