Konnichiwa rugby punters it’s William Webb-Ellis time again and Couch Critic nails up his special bets for the tournament with @Olimp_SA
We’ve had some excitement and decent entertainment in the form of a shortened Rugby Championship (which South Africa won), a few weeks of international “friendlies” and then of course also the final World Cup squad announcements. But, at the end of it all we are here for one thing and one thing only – the main even which kicks off in Tokyo in only a week’s time!
Whilst jerseys and other memorabilia is being bought, Superbru pools are getting set-up and the office water cooler chat is picking up sport punters know the four-yearly event means something even more important – a betting extravaganza like no other. I’ve teamed up with Betolimp to give you my best pre-tournament bets to add some extra interest whilst watching the 2019 version of the Rugby World Cup in Japan. You can Domo Arigato me later.
Betolimp Tasty Teasers
First up I have had a nibble at a few plays that have caught the eye. There is a fair deal of speculation involved with these Teaser plays and they are more novelty fun bets to give you something to root for during most games of the World Cup.
TT1: Watson covers wing and fullback and should be involved in a number of games and at least start against either Tonga or USA.
TT2: A potential quarter-final against Wales or Australia (yes, I have them beating the Argies into second in their pool) is not un-winnable but I don’t see them beating New Zealand, SA or Ireland. Fourth sounds about right to me and the price looks big enough for an interest.
TT3: No Couch Critic preview would be complete without a tip on a hooker. Julian should start the odd match but be involved in most.
Betolimp Value Plays
These few Value plays are one’s I believe have a real chance of realising and for mind offer great value considering the price they are available at.
VP1: The All Black selectors have tried to find place for Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga in their line-up but using Ben Smith on the wing has not worked out for them. Reece seems to have secured the 14 birth and will get plenty of game time including, in all likelihood, a run against Italy and one of Canada or Namibia. This lethal finisher has a strong chance of finishing with the most tries.
VP2: Again, I stick with someone from the New Zealand since I firstly believe they are the type of team who put smaller teams away with emphatically and secondly apart from a tough game versus the Springboks they should have a number of high scoring games after this. Mo’unga and Beauden Barrett are the only two real flyhalf options in the team so both should get plenty of game time. Richie likes scoring tries and is a deadly kicker so he gets the nod.
VP3: England have some tough games in succession to contend with, but I see them sailing into the semi’s without much trouble. The Boks need to lose to the Kiwi’s in that first clash - should that happen the main obstacle will be England having to overcome the Kiwis in a semi. Yes, this will be tough but I think the odds look too good to resist.
Betolimp Best Bets:
This is where I have gone deep into my pockets and opted to put a decent chunk of change down on an outcome I think is more likely to materialise than not.
BB: The Wallabies considered having Hodge and Haylett-Petty on the wings but since Koroibete’s introduction he has been immense. He has a natural hunger for the tryline and that crucial ability to get involved in the action a lot. He should play against Fiji, Wales and one of Uruguay or Georgia so plenty of time to rack up some five-pointers.
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
