Rugby World Cup Quarter-Final Draw and Updated Odds – Rugby Betting

Hosts remain outsiders despite heroics so far

There is a hiatus in the Rugby World Cup as players and fans draw their breath and Japan attempts to recover from the after-effects of Typhoon Hagibis.

You could argue that the quarter-final draw features few surprises. Even world rankings suggested that the host nation would finish above Scotland in their group, though it was probably a shock that the Brave Blossoms also beat Ireland to set up a last-eight meeting with South Africa.

Rugby Union World Cup Quarter-Final Draw

October 19
England v Australia in Oita (8.15am)
New Zealand v Ireland in Tokyo (11.15am)
October 20
Wales v France in Oita (8.15am)
Japan v South Africa in Tokyo (11.15am)

Japan, of course, have history with the Springboks – they beat South Africa at the World Cup in Brighton four years ago. Another win for this year’s hosts would not be as big a surprise as they were full value for their victories over Ireland and the Scots. But they might need more than the fanatical home support to reach the semi-final stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Japan are a best 40/1 to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup with South Africa just 7/2 with Betvictor as they have, on paper, the weakest side in the last eight according to world rankings.

Having had a two-week break since their last match, England get the quarter-final action underway against Australia. The Aussies lost to Wales in the group stages and have a terrible recent record against England. The Wallabies have lost their six matches against the team wearing the red rose and it’s 20 years since they last won a World Cup, though were runner’s-up in England four years ago. They are currently available at 25/1 to win this year’s tournament while England are only a best 9/2 on Betfair.

New Zealand’s clash with Ireland in Tokyo is a true clash of the heavyweights. The Irish will probably be kicking themselves that they didn’t top their section to avoid an early clash with the defending champions. But Ireland have won two of three meetings with the All Blacks since the last World Cup so won’t be going to the game with an inferiority complex. New Zealand, however, remain 11/8 favourites to win the World Cup for a third time in a row and only once, in 2007, have they failed to reach the semi-finals at least. Ireland are 20/1 with Unibet.

Wales are a general 9/1 having been paired with France. Both sides are unbeaten so far in Japan, though France’s final group game against England was cancelled. The Welsh have won seven of their last eight meetings with the French in the Six Nations so will start as favourites, though France won their only previous meeting in a World Cup in 2011. France are available at 40/1 with Betway.

World Cup 2019 Updated Odds

New Zealand 11/8
South Africa 7/2
England 9/2
Wales 9/1
Ireland 20/1
Australia 25/1
France and Japan 40/1
(Odds correct at 3.30pm October 14)