The Women’s Rugby World Cup draws to a close on Saturday with the Bronze Medal match between New Zealand and France acting as the curtain raiser for the big final between Canada and England at Twickenham. We take a look at both games and offer up some bets for consideration including a 15.00 speculator in the final.
NEW ZEALAND vs FRANCE – Click here to bet
This is the match that nobody wants to play, but at the same time both teams are clearly taking this seriously and have named strong sides.
New Zealand were outplayed by Canada in their semi-final, a result that has shocked the nation and in their quarter-final they were held 10-10 at half-time to South Africa before drawing clear to win by 29 points.
France looked good in their group stages without setting the Tournament alight. In their quarter-final they were very fortunate to beat Ireland in wet conditions. They started 24 point underdogs against England and although they lost by 18 points, the score flattered the English and France certainly had their chances to exert real pressure on the Tournament favourites..
Handicap: New Zealand [-9.5]
I think of the two sides, New Zealand will be the hungrier of the pair and I am backing them to get the win with at least 53 points in the match.
Bet: Result and Total, New Zealand and over 52.5 points at 2.20
CANADA vs ENGLAND – Click here to bet
Canada turned in the performance of the Tournament when they beat the Black Ferns last week. They took control of the match in the opening minutes and never let the defending Champions get a foothold into the game. They were also impressive in demolishing Australia in their quarter-final.
England have been the short-priced favourites all Tournament, but they must have sat up and taken note of what Canada did to New Zealand this week. They themselves were well-backed to give France a hiding in their semi-final, but they needed some late scores to win by 18 points.
Handicap: Canada [+6.5]
The Total Points line is set at 48.5 and I think this could be a game where defence dominates. Conditions look like being decent, but this is a Final and I am going to be betting on 48 points or less.
BET: Under 48.5 points at 1.91
Then a speculative play that the teams go into the half-time chats level as I expect this game to be incredibly tight.
BET: First-half winner, the draw at 15.00
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
