Rugby World Cup 2023: Bookmakers make France favourites

Despite being defending champions, the Springboks are only fourth favourites to win this year’s Rugby World Cup title, according to the latest odds.

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World Cup 2023 hosts France have been installed as the new outright favourites for the tournament which is due to kick off in early September.

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The Springboks will be looking for a record fourth World Cup triumph following their wins in 1995, 2007 and 2019.

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Leading South African bookmakers Hollywoodbets have France – who are looking to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for the first time after the final at the Stade de France on 28 October 2023 – at 28/10.

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The All Blacks are also looking for a fourth success having emerged victorious in 1987 and 2011 on home soil as well as 2015 in England.

They have been installed as 3/1 second-favourites.

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World No 1-ranked Ireland, despite their poor World Cup record, are third favourites at 4/1, followed by the Springboks at 9/2.

A struggling England side can be back to come good at 8/1.

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Australia (10/1), Scotland (25/1), Argentina and Wales (both 28/1) are seen as the only other possible winners.

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The tournament will kick off on 8 September.