Rugby World Cup Profile: Best Of The Rest

Ireland
Pool C
World Ranking: 8
Odds to win: 40/1 (Paddy Power)

Verdict: Have a back row worthy of any team in the World Cup, plus the evergreen Brian O’Driscoll as inspiration. The pool game against Italy is the big decider to see who makes it through to the quarter-finals. That is where the tournament traditionally ends.

Recommended Bet: Tommy Bowe to be top try scorer, 33/1 with Ladbrokes.

Wales
Pool D
World Ranking: 6
Odds to win: 80/1 (Paddy Power)

Verdict: Lumped in with South Africa, a team they have only beaten once in their history. With Samoa and Fiji also in the group they will be battle hardened if making the quarter finals. With James Hook at stand-off they have one of the potential stars of the tournament. If they keep their players fit, they have a starting XV that could worry any team.
Recommended Bet: Wales to reach the quarter-finals, 2/7 with Blue Square.

Scotland
Pool B
World Ranking: 7
Odds to win: 300/1 (Paddy Power)

Verdict: Shocked South Africa last autumn and have taken some notable scalps over the years. Stationed in Pool B with England, the Auld Enemy could be added to the list. Scotland struggle against more expansive opponents, but against a one dimensional England they could spring a surprise.

Recommended Bet: Scotland to reach the quarter-finals, 5/6 with Ladbrokes.