Rugby World Cup Betting Update: South Africa Tipped as Frontrunners Ahead of Semi-Finals

Having trounced the hosting nation France, the reigning champions South Africa have emerged as the top contenders, with odds at 10/11, to reclaim the Rugby World Cup title. They are set to clash with England this Saturday in the second semi-final showdown of the 2023 Rugby World Cup at Stade de France, Paris. Bookies are predicting an 85.7% likelihood for the Springboks advancing to the grand finale on Saturday, 28th October.

Betting Odds Breakdown: England vs South Africa

Outcome | Odds | Implied % Probability

South Africa| 2/9 | 81.8%

England | 9/2 | 18.2%

Draw | 40/1 | 2.4%

Historical Matchup: England vs South Africa

Out of their 45 encounters, South Africa has had the upper hand with 27 wins, while England managed 16 victories. The two nations have shared the spoils in two games. The latest face-off saw a 27-13 triumph for South Africa at Twickenham last November. Notably, the Springboks have stood tall in the most prestigious clashes, clinching victory in both the 2007 and 2019 Rugby World Cup finals against England.

2023 Rugby World Cup Betting Odds

Outcome | Odds | Implied % Probability

South Africa| 10/11 | 48.3%

New Zealand | 6/5 | 41.9%

England | 12/1 | 7.1%

Argentina | 33/1 | 2.7%

As the semi-finals beckon this weekend, bookmakers are also eyeing a strong showing from the three-time champions New Zealand, priced at 1/10 to outplay Argentina, making them the close second favorites. The betting community is largely anticipating a final faceoff between the All Blacks and the Springboks, with a combined projected chance of 77.8%.

Among the last four standing, England and Argentina are perceived as the underdogs with odds of 9/2 and 15/2 to make it to the final, respectively. A speculative England vs Argentina final is priced at a longshot 40/1.

Lenny Blackburn from BetViewpoint observed, “The Springboks, being the pre-tournament sweethearts of the betting realm, are indeed living up to their reigning World Champions badge. Their triumph over the host nation France in the recent quarter-finals has only firmed up their standing as the prime favorites to clinch the cup. At every juncture of the tournament, South Africa has sparked the bettors’ enthusiasm, securing a consistent wave of support to hoist the World Cup both before and during the French spectacle. Since the previous Friday, the Springboks have pulled in 41.3% of the overall bets for winning the tournament, a significant lead over the 30.7% of bets favoring the All Blacks.”