Rugby World Cup 2019 Predictions
On the 20th September, the ninth Rugby World Cup will commence in Japan. Yes, it’s still three months away, but we are already getting quite excited.
In this article today, we will give our early predictions of what will happen in the 2019 World Cup.
Will New Zealand be Victorious Again?
New Zealand are the favourites to retain the World Cup and make it three World Cup victories in a row.
But will the pressure and expectation get to the All Blacks? Will they become complacent? Do they still have the same hunger and desire? These are the big questions.
New Zealand have been drawn alongside South Africa in Pool B, a team who defeated the All Blacks in September of 2018 in the Rugby Championship.
If the All Blacks slip up against South Africa, they could feasibly face a very strong Irish side in the quarter-finals. Despite recent indifferent form, Ireland are among the favourites to lift the trophy in Japan.
Still, with all that being said, there is no denying that New Zealand are firm favourites. If they learn from the mistakes which cost them against South Africa last year, they will take some beating.
Is it Wales’ or Ireland’s Time?
Wales and Ireland are two of the favourites heading into the World Cup. If New Zealand do slip up, it will be a huge opportunity for Wales or Ireland to win a first World Cup.
Wales go to Japan in fine form having secured the Six Nations trophy in March. Warren Gartland’s men performed with steely grit and resilience and won all five of their matches, including a dominant 25-7 victory in their final match against 2018 champions, Ireland.
If Wales show the same kind of determination and belief in Japan, they will be fierce opponents for any side. Should they finish first in Pool C, they are likely to face France in the quarter-finals, a game which the Welsh will be expected to win.
From that point forward, much of it will come down to mental belief, something which Wales currently have in abundance.
Ireland will go to Japan with confidence, despite losing their Six Nations crown in March. They defeated the All Blacks on home soil for the first time in 2018 with a superb performance.
The Wales forward coach Robin McBryde stated before the Six Nations meeting between Wales and Ireland that he believed Ireland were currently the best team in the world.
A semi-final meeting between Wales and Ireland is a very real possibility, meaning that one of these sides is very likely to reach the final. A new World Cup winner could be on the horizon.
England’s Chances
England are currently second favourites to win the World Cup at the bookies. Eddie Jones’ men will be hoping they can put 2015’s disastrous home World Cup showing behind them.
England have not exactly set the world on fire in the past 12 months, but they are a talented squad and have a very experienced coach in Eddie Jones.
There is a lot of power and muscle up front and if England can perform to their undoubtedly high capabilities, as they showed towards the end of 2018, they will be formidable opponents for any side.
England should finish top of Pool C pretty comfortably and are likely to face Australia or Wales in the quarter-finals, before a possible meeting with the All Blacks in the semi-finals.
England have to go to Japan with belief and confidence. If England can perform to a high standard, they have as much of a chance as anyone to topple New Zealand and lift the World Cup for the second time.
Rugby World Cup Online Betting
The current odds for the World Cup 2019 winners are as follows:
New Zealand: 6/5
England: 9/2
Ireland: 5/1
Wales: 6/1
South Africa: 9/1
Australia: 14/1
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Roll on September.
