Rugby World Cup Final Odds

On Sunday morning Richie McCaw will be presented with the Webb Ellis trophy, as the All Blacks are crowned World Champions. This is the future according to Paddy Power who have already paid out on New Zealand. At a best price of 6/1 (Ladbrokes) to lift the trophy, the French aren’t regarded as a threat to the Irish bookmaker’s generosity.

For such a one-sided match on paper, is there any way to turn a profit? History tell us that of all the Six Nations teams, France have the best record against the All Blacks.

Percentage of games won vs. New Zealand

France = 24%
England = 17.6%
Wales = 10.7%
Ireland = 0%
Italy = 0%
Scotland = 0%

A 37-17 defeat against the All Blacks in the group stages suggests that record is not going to improve any time soon. The 8/1 available with Sportingbet on France winning the final are the best odds available, but unlikely to find many takers.

In the player markets, Cory Jane is 9/1 favourite with Betfred to score the first try of the match. Full Back Israel Dagg has been one of the players of the tournament, and is the All Blacks’ leading scorer with five tries. He is 10/1 (Bet365) to cross the line first on Sunday.

If New Zealand win the final then it makes sense for one of their players to pick up the man of the match award. Captain Richie McCaw is 13/2 (Betfred) for the gong, but fans’ favourite Piri Weepu looks big at 15/2 (Betfred). Having taken over kicking responsibilities from the stricken Dan Carter, he is apparently second behind John Key as the nation’s preferred Prime Minister. High praise indeed.