France and Ireland Odds on to Advance from Pool D at the Rugby World Cup

Only Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and England have won the Rugby World Cup but Ireland are a dark horse to add their name to the honours list in 2015. The back to back Sixn Nation winners are a dark horse to claim the Web Ellis Cup but they’re not the only side in Pool D who have hopes of going all the way.  We mustn’t forget France!

Outright Odds on France & Ireland

Ireland have been one of the most consistent sides in the world over the past couple of years having lost just a handful of games since the start of 2014. Another Six Nations success this year saw their odds to claim the World Cup drop under double digits. The Irish are now $9 with Bet365 to win the tournament. Ireland are around $1.65 to reach the semis for the first time, while they’re just over even money to miss the last 4 yet again.

Alongside Ireland in Pool D is another nation which can’t be discounted, especially when it comes to this competition. The enigmatic French find their best form at the World Cup and Les Bleus are $17 to be just the second southern Hemisphere country to triumph. France lost in the final 4 years ago, finishing runner up for a third time. They’re paying $8.50 to be the bridesmaids once again.

Pool D Odds

It seems Ireland will fight France to finish first in Pool D. The latter are around $2.40 to top it while the Irish are $1.60 favourites. Both nations are under a $1.10 to advance to the quarter finals while Italy are expected to be the best of the rest in a group which also includes Canada and Romania. The Romanians are around $1.65 favourites to finish bottom while the Canadians are just above even money. It’s unlikely Italy will finish last, but could they cause a shock and sneak past one of the big guns? Azzuri are $8.50 to sneak into the sudden death stages of the competition. The Italians opening match may be there most crucial, when they take on the French first up. They’re $7.50 outsiders while France are $1.10 favourites.