The pool stages of the Rugby World Cup draw to a close on Sunday and we take a look at the three matches taking place and suggest a bet in each game.
A reminder that the long-term Rugby World Cup markets are constantly updated and you can click here for the latest betting.
JAPAN v ARGENTINA – Click here to bet
The winner of this Pool D match will join England in the quarter-finals and in the unlikely event of a draw Argentina will progress on points difference.
Japan opened their campaign with a 30 point win over Chile and they then fought bravely before going down 34-12 to England. Their last match was a crunch game where they started slight underdogs against Samoa, but were full value for a 28-22 win.
Argentina were well backed in their opening game against England coming in from +9.5 to a choice match. The bookies were smiling at the end though as 14 man England won 27-10. Argentina then came out and beat Samoa 19-10 before a comfortable 59-5 win over Chile last time out.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides last met in a friendly International in 2016 when Argentina won 54-20 and they met in the 1999 World Cup when Argentina came out on top 33-12.
Handicap: Japan +13.5
An eliminator and it could get tense. Slight preference is for Los Pumas who haven’t shown anything like their best in earlier pool matches and we pin our hopes they will prevail in a match of 48 points or more.
Suggested Bet: Result And Totals Argentina and over 47.5 points at 19/20
Get a refund if South Africa lose the RWC Final
Place an outright bet on South Africa to win the Rugby World Cup get your stake back in Free Bets if they get beaten in the final.
*Pre-Match events only. Single bets only. T’s & C’s apply. Refund/Payout limited to R2000.
Valid for bets taken before the start of the Semi Finals of the RWC
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘SA Refund’
TONGA v ROMANIA – Click here to bet
Both these sides have played 3 matches and have yet to collect a point so the winner will at least avoid the Pool B Wooden Spoon.
Tonga’s first game was against Ireland where they went down by 43 points and next up was Scotland who beat them by 28. Their best performance so far came against South Africa last time out where they stood up to South Africa’s physical approach ultimately losing 49-18.
Romania have been the whipping boards of Pool B and have a points difference of -234 heading into this match having only scored 8 points themselves. They lost by 74 points to Ireland, 76 points to South Africa and 84 points to Scotland.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides last met in a friendly in 2021 when Romania won 32-20 at home and in 4 meetings dating back to 2013 each side has won twice. They have never met in a Rugby World Cup,
Handicap: Tonga -37.5
Tonga haven’t really got in a blow but Romania have been totally out of their depth and we go with Tonga on the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap Tonga -37.5 points at 9/10
FIJI v PORTUGAL – Click here to bet
Fiji just need a bonus point out of this game to progress to the quarter-finals having recovered from a Round 1 loss to Wales to beat Australia 22-15 and then Georgia 17-12 in their last match, a game where they considered themselves lucky to come away with a victory.
Portugal have been crowd favourites in this World Cup and they would dearly love a victory to bring the curtain down on their campaign. They lost 28-8 to Wales in their opening game before drawing 18-18 with Georgia, missing a penalty in the last minute that would have won the match. They led Australia 9-0 at the break, but went down 34-14 in match 3.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
These sides have not met in a competitive rugby match.
Handicap: Fiji -20.5
Fiji are on the verge of a great achievement but given even a losing bonus point will suffice the handicap looks a tricky call. Preference is for a game of 54 points or less in total
Suggested Bet: Total points under 54.5 at 9/10
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
