Excitement continues to build ahead of the next Rugby World Cup with nations around the globe gearing up for another enthralling tournament. South Africa won the last competition in 2023 and will be the team to beat in Australia. Millions of fans are already making predictions ahead of the World Cup which will be watched all over.
This article will look at the favourites to win while also assessing the best strategies for making smart bets on the tournament. With two years to go, now is the time to start putting in your research so that you are ready to be the authority when the first ball is kicked on October 1, 2027.
Are South Africa the Favourites?
Heading into the World Cup, South Africa are very much considered on of the favourites and will be many people’s picks to lift the Webb Ellis Cup. The Springboks have always been one of the leading rugby nations through history and have won the World Cup more than any team. South Africa lifted the trophy for the first time in 1995 and again in 2007, 2019 and 2023. Only three other countries have been victorious in clinching the main prize; New Zealand in 1987, 2011 and 2015, Australia in 1991 and 1999 and England in 2003.
South Africa will be among the teams rugby tipsters with high success rate will be picking out for success at the next tournament. For those keen to explore betting opportunities, it is a wise move to read expert previews and predictions to gain fresh insights and broaden perspectives. The Springboks merge pace and power with skill and poise and won 11 of 13 tests last year. If South Africa continue that form, few will bet against them.
Which other Nations are in with a Shout?
All of rugby’s big-hitters are being tipped for World Cup greatness ahead of the tournament in two years’ time with enthusiasts already looking at the odds, stats and figures in a bid to work out who the value bets may be when it comes to 2027.
Host nation Australia will have a huge amount of backing in stadiums during the competition and this could give the Wallabies an edge, particularly when driving forward for extra points at the start and end of matches when they need that extra percent to make a difference.
France, New Zealand, Ireland ad England make up the other nations who have low odds currently and will be part of the conversation when pros, pundits and fans discuss who could win the tournament. Argentina, Scotland, Fiji and Wales feature between 25 and 50/1 right now though any of these nations lifting the Webb Ellis Cup would come as a massive sporting surprise.
Key World Cup Details
The 2027 Rugby World Cup is taking place across Australia, kicking off on October 1 and concluding with the showpiece final on November 13. This will be the first time in competition history that 24 teams will compete, up from 20 at the last tournament. This means two extra groups in the group phase have been introduced as well as an extra round in the knockout phase.
Seven venues in seven cities will host matches during the World Cup with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and Townsville or scheduled to welcome teams and fans during the six-week event. The 82,000-seater Stadium Australia in Sydney is set to feature the two semi-finals, bronze final and the final itself.
Strategies for Predicting the Outcome of the World Cup
When it comes to wagering on the Rugby World Cup, it is imperative you build up your knowledge ahead of the tournament and so that you bet with confidence and make educated guesses as opposed to blind guesses. Here are some strategies you should follow in order to make smart and informed predictions.
Follow Developments in the Build-up
From now until the Rugby World Cup starts in October 2027 a great deal can change. While long-term preparations will already be underway, that’s not to say coaches will not switch as this will come down to how the team performs on the field. The squad list will also be different to how it is now as it will be dependent on form while some current youngsters will have two more years’ of experience and be ready to make the step up when the competition begins.
Keep an Eye on Player Form and Team Results
There is still a great deal of rugby to be played before the tournament kicks off and so it is a wise move to track how nations are performing during tests and other competitions. Take the teams competing in the Six Nations for example. England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France and Italy will play twice in the annual tournament between now and the World Cup and so that will provide a great opportunity to see the sides play in the height of competition.
Overall, rugby enthusiasts cannot wait for the World Cup to arrive as it’s the perfect opportunity to see the best teams and players go head-to-head in the battle for supremacy. While the tournament is still a couple of years away, putting the hours in now to learn about the match-ups in Australia will put you in a strong position and give you an edge when making predictions for real.
