18 September 2019, by: Leonard Solms

Rugby World Cup 2019: Value Bet Opportunities

As we head into arguably the most unpredictable Rugby World Cup of all time on September 20, punters have an opportunity to win big.

After the last World Cup saw Japan shock South Africa, a successful 2019 tournament for them would not stun supporters as much as it would have in the past. However, there is still big value in the Brave Blossoms on home soil.

In addition, Argentina and South Africa have slipped under the radar to some degree and backing the Springboks and Los Pumas could yield big rewards.

The Springboks kick off their tournament against age-old rivals New Zealand and are rated as underdogs despite their fine form. This provides punters with a superb opportunity.

None of South Africa’s last four encounters against New Zealand have been won by more than two points. Of those, the All Blacks have two victories and the Springboks one with one draw.

Even so, South Africa are paying 0.90 in the +7.5 handicap market for the match in Yokohama on 21 September. Backing the Springboks here means that even if New Zealand win the match by up to seven points, you will still win the bet.

South Africa beat Steve Hansen’s men to the Rugby Championship title earlier this year. The Springboks are paying 1.85 to pip the All Blacks to top spot in Pool B and 2.70 to win their Saturday showdown.

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The hosts nearly qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2015 World Cup at Scotland’s expense, but had to settle for third place in pool B with the Springboks claiming first and the Scots second. Four years after a campaign which saw Japan heroically beat South Africa 34-32 in Brighton, they are in even better shape and on home soil.

At 2.00 to reach the quarter-finals, Japan could prove a surprise package in 2019. Many of their players are more experienced against top quality opponents than they were four years ago due to the Sunwolves’ involvement in Super Rugby. Also, they have put in strong shifts against New Zealand, England and South Africa in recent months.

What Jamie Joseph’s men need to work on is lasting the full 80 minutes. There have, however, been patches of games against some of the strongest sides in the world in which the Brave Blossoms have matched them.

When Japan play Scotland on 13 October, keep an eye on handicap markets. Gregor Townsend’s men are no slouches, but there may well be value with the hosts in Yokohama.

Los Pumas are in the competitive Pool C alongside France, England and outsiders USA and Tonga. However, Les Bleus’ poor form in recent years means Argentina stand a good chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

It has been a long time since France have challenged for the Six Nations crown. Although Argentina have not reached full potential in the Rugby Championship yet, they have somewhat improved over the last four years.

Mario Ledesma’s men are paying 1.15 to beat France on 21 September in Tokyo. Argentina emerged victorious in their last two RWC meetings, both at the 2007 tournament in France, and made the semi-finals in 2015.

In addition, Argentina have won two of their last three fixtures against France. Both teams are unpredictable — breathtaking at their best, but shambolic at their worst. However, the value is with the South Americans and punting on Los Pumas could bring home a healthy profit.

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