Rugby World Cup Pool C – Betting Preview
Whether you are a hardcore rugby fan, or simply take a casual interest as a passerby, there is no denying that the Rugby World Cup is the sport at its very best. Some of the top teams go head to head, and there is a chance for the very best international players to show off their stuff on the world stage. For the gambling fans amongst us, this can also be an opportunity to win some impressive prizes through a well-placed bet. Here at Betopin, we have the inside scoop to help you land a big win!
Rugby World Cup: Pool C
Let’s take a look at the teams in question, to help you get the inside scoop…
England
February to July 2018 were tough times for the English team, but they proved in last Novembers tournament that this was just a blip and a distant memory, pulling off a victory against South Africa and South Africa, and losing against the mighty New Zealand with just a single point.
Head Coach – Eddie Jones
Having won the title during his reign as assistance coach to South Africa in 2007, Jones is no stranger to success, and will be looking to replicate this as head of the English team.
Captain – Own Farrell
Having played internationally since 2012, Farrell has the ability to keep his head under pressure, and lead his team in the same way.
Previous Rugby World Cup Best
England took the top title and won the tournament in 2003, and 1991 and 2007 saw them as runners up.
Key Players
Maro Itoje and Owen Farrell are sure to be key players to watch this year, along with the Vunipola brothers; Mako and Billy.
Current form
England won three of their four warm-up games, and this is sure to have inspired a confidence which could really help their performance when it matters.
31 – man squad
Forwards
Dan Cole, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tom Curry, Ellis Genge, Jamie George, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes, Lewis Ludlam, Joe Marler, Kyle Sinklet, Jack Singleton, Sam Underhill, Billy Vunipola, Mako Vunipola, Mark Wilson.
Backs
Joe Cokanasiga, Elliot Daly, Owen Farrell, George Ford, Piers Francis, Willi Heinz, Jonathan Joseph, Jonny May, Ruaridh McConnochie, Jack Nowell, Henry Slade, Manu Tuilagi, Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs.
Fixtures
22/9/19 – England v Tonga
26/9/19 – England v USA
5/10/19 – England v Argentina
12/10/19 – England v France
England Betting Odds
Outwrite winning odds: 4/1
To Reach Semi-Final: 8:15
To Reach ¼ finals: 1/25
France
Despite being automatic qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup, France haven’t really done anything to set the sport on fire in recent years, and will have to pull off some serious moves if they are to make a serious impact this year.
Head Coach – Jacques Brunel
Brunel acted as assistant coach to France when they finished fourth in 2003 and 2007, and then spent 5 years managing the Italian team. He ran to the rescue of France in January 2018 following the sacking of Guy Novès, and is sure to be determined to prove his worth.
Captain – Guilhem Guirado
Having captained the side for three years, Guirado is an old hand when it comes to the competition.
Previous Rugby World Cup Best
France enjoyed runner-up status in 1987, 1999 and 2011, but have yet to take the top spot.
Key Players
As Captain, Guirado has a lot of pressure to perform well, and his work-rate speaks for itself. Antoine Dupont is also an essential from scrum-half, while Alivereti Raka has made a huge impact in recent seasons.
Current form
France finished their warm-up third in the pool, with just one win against Italy under their belt.
31 – man squad
Forwards
Jefferson Poirot, Rabah Slimani, Emerick Setiano, Cyril Baille, Guilhem Guirado, Peato Mauvaka, Sebastien Vahaamahina, Paul Gabrillagues, Arthur Iturria, Bernard Le Roux, Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon, Louis Picamoles. Yacouba Camara, Wenceslas Lauret. Demba Bamba was also a member, but has since been sent home due to injury.
Backs
Antoine Dupont, Baptiste Serin, Maxime Machenaud, Camille Lopez, Romain Ntamack, Gael Fickou, Pierre-Louis Barassi, Sofiana Guitoune, Virimi Vakatawa, Yoann Huget, Alivereti Raka, Damian Penaud, Maxime Medard, Thomas Ramos.
Fixtures
21/9/19 – France v Argentina
2/10/19 – France v USA
6/10/19 – France v Tonga
12/10/19 – France v England
France Betting Odds
Outwrite winning odds: 4/1
To Reach Semi-Final: 7/4
To Reach ¼ finals: 1/10
Argentina
2018 was a good year for Argentina, as they enjoyed victories against both South Africa and Australia in the Rugby Championship. Since then however, they have had a quiet patch, so it remains to be seen just what is in store for 2019.
Head Coach – Pablo Matera
Matera has a challenge on his hands, but it is one he seems keen to rise to.
Captain – Mario Ledesma
Having played in 4 Rugby World Cups, Ledesma is no stranger to the sport, and this experience could prove invaluable.
Previous Rugby World Cup Best
Argentina had their best year in 2007, when they finished in third place.
Key Players
Agustin Creevy has long been considered the ‘heartbeat; of the Argentinian team, and he looks set to continue deserving this reputation. Emiliano Boffelli is also valuable for both kicking and throwing, making his a double threat.
Current form
Argentina ended the warm-up period with six points, putting them pretty far behind England’s ten.
31 – man squad
Forwards
Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Mayco Vivas, Agustin Creevy, Julian Montoya, Santiago Socino, Juan Figallo, Enrique Pieretto, Santiago Medrano, Guido Petti, Tomas Lavanini, Matias Alemanno, Pablo Matera, Tomas Lezana, Javier Ortega Desio, Marcos Kremer, Rodrigo Bruni, Juan Manuel Leguizamon.
Backs
Tomas Cubelli, Felipe Ezcurra, Nicolás Sánchez, Benjamín Urdapilleta, Jerónimo de la Fuente, Matías Orlando, Matias Moreno, Lucas Mensa, Juan Cruz Mallia, Ramiro Moyano, Bautista Delguy, Emiliano Boffelli, Joaquín Tuculet, Santiago Carreras.
Fixtures
21/9/19 – Argentina v France
28/9/19 – Argentina v Tonga
5/10/19 – Argentina v England
9/10/19 – Argentina v USA
Argentina Betting Odds
Outwrite winning odds: 100/1
To Reach Semi-Final: 10/1
To Reach ¼ finals: 7/2
USA
With historic wins over both Scotland and Samoa, there is a pretty strong chance that the USA will top their pool. As in previous years, however, the chances of them climbing out of it are super slim.
Head Coach – Gary Gold
Gold took over from John Mitchell in 2011, and has proven a valuable asset to the USA ever since then.
Captain – Blaine Scully
The USA have done well in previous competitions, and it remains to be seen whether Scully can lead them to a 2019 victory.
Previous Rugby World Cup Best
The USA have historically struggled with the RWC, never winning or advancing to the latter stages.
Key Players
Cam Dolan has emerged as a natural leader, and Scully and AJ MacGinty are clear choices for key players.
Current form
The warm-ups were more than a little disappointing for the USA, with a loss to their name, and ending up third in the group.
H3 – 31 – man squad
Forwards
David Ainu’u, Malon Al-Jiboori, Nate Brakely, Nick Civetta, Cam Dolan, Dylan Fawsitt, Eric Fry, Hanco Germishuys, James Hilterbrand, Olive Kilifi, Tony Lamborn, Titi Lamositele, Ben Landry, Paul Mullen, Gregory Peterson, Ben Pinkleman, John Quill, Joseph Taufete’e.
Backs
Blaine Scully
Nate Auspurger, Marcel Brache, Bryce Campbel, Shaun Davies, Ruebem De Haas, Will Hooley, Martin Iosefo, Paul Laiske, AJ MacGinty, Will Magie, Thretton Palamo, Mike Te’O.
Fixtures
26/9/19 – USA v England
2/10/19 – USA v France
9/10/19 – USA v Argentina
13/10/19 – USA v Tonga
USA Betting Odds
Outright winning odds: 1500/1
To Reach Semi-Final: 250/1
To Reach ¼ finals: 66/1
Tonga
Tonga are a team with a lot of ambition and buckets of enthusiasm, but the chances of them advancing past the knockout stage are pretty slim to non-existent, though they are likely to put up an exciting fight!
Head Coach – Toutai Kefu
Having been in charge since 2016, Kefu knows his team and will want to show them off to their full advantage.
Captain – Siale Piutau
Captaining Tonga is a challenge for any player, but Piutau remains calm and in control.
Previous Rugby World Cup Best
Tonga’s previous best performances came in 2007, and 2011, where they won two matches in each.
Key Players
Sonatane Takulua is a speed demon and will be invaluable, while James Faiva is favourite to breath new life and energy into the team.
Current form
Though hardly unexpected, Tonga’s place at the bottom of their pool is sure to come as a disappointment.
31 – man squad
Forwards
Dan Faleafa, Ma’afu Fia, Leva Fifita, Vunipola Fifita, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Siua Halanukonuka, Sione Kalamafoni, Zane Kapeli, Fotu Lokotui, Sam Lousi, Sitiveni Mafi, Siua Maile, Nasi Manu, Paula Ngauamo, Sosefo Sakalia, Latu Talakai, Ben Tameifuna.
Backs
Ma’ama Vaipulu, James Faiva, Samisoni Fisilau, Leon Fukofuka, David Halaifonua, Malietoa Hingano, Viliami Lolohea, Kurt Morath, Atieli Pakalani, Siale Piutau (c), Sonatane Takulua, Nafi Tuitavake, Telusa Veainu, Cooper Vuna
Fixtures
22/9/19 – Tonga v England
28/9/19 – Tonga v Argentina
6/10/19 – Tonga v France
13/10/19 – Tonga v USA
Tonga Betting Odds
Outright winning odds: 1500/1
To Reach Semi-Final: 250/1
To Reach ¼ finals: 66/1
Conclusion
It seems as though England are the clear leaders in pool C, and they, along with Argentina, are the most likely by far to head through to those all-important matches. France may have a chance if they pull things together quickly, but they will have a lot of work to do.
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