Rugby World Cup: France

It would seem that the southern hemisphere dominate world rugby. The top three sides in the world come from south of the equator, as do five of the six World Cup winning sides. With New Zealand, Australia and South Africa the top three in the betting, should the northern hemisphere give up now?

No as it happens. With Argentina a shadow of the 2007 side, there is at least one semi-final spot for the ‘northerners’. If we look at past results teams from the Six Nations do rather better than expected up to the final four stage.

World Cup Semi Finalists

1987 – NZ, France, Wales, Australia
1991 – Australia, England, NZ, Scotland,
1995 – SA, NZ, France, England
1999 – Australia, France, SA, NZ
2003 – England, Australia, NZ, France
2007 – SA, England, Argentina, France

At least two northern hemisphere sides have made the semi-finals in five of the six World Cups. France are the standout team, making the semis five times; putting them on a par with the All Blacks.

Through all the madness, French rugby has always produced excellent players. Even with suspect management and team selection, the French turn on the style in the World Cup.

It will be a struggle to top Pool A with the All Blacks overwhelming favourites, but second place should be easily achieved. This sets up a potential quarter final with England, the easiest on paper should all the top seeds progress as forecast.

France are evens to make it to the semi-finals. As I see it, you are getting even money on France beating England at worst. If Pool B goes against form then Argentina or Scotland could be their opponents. Against any of those three teams I would make France odds on and therefore this rates as a value bet.