2023 Rugby World Cup: Winner Odds, Tournament Favorites, Predictions & Picks

Just as the FIBA Basketball World Cup was winding down in the Philippines earlier this month, the 2023 Rugby World Cup was getting underway in France.

While the return of the NFL and college football, the home stretch of the MLB season, and the new NBA and NHL seasons beginning next month, there’s plenty to keep fans and bettors in the U.S. occupied.

But elsewhere around the sports world, there are a number of important international events in the spotlight.

In golf, the Ryder Cup will take place from September 29 to October 1. Also, it is World Cup season for multiple sports, and each event is also worth following even if you are not an ardent follower or bettor.

The FIBA World Cup is now in the rearview mirror, but the Rugby World Cup is taking place until October 28, and the Cricket World Cup is set to begin on October 5.

On Friday, September 8, the Rugby World Cup opened with France sending a lot of fans home happy with a 27-13 win over New Zealand.

In a matchup of two top tournament contenders, it was a momentous win for France, who have never won the World Cup but has finished second three times (1987, 1999, and 2011).

Will it be the beginning of a history-making run for Les Bleus? There are four teams who look most equipped to stand in their way, led by reigning World Cup champions South Africa.

Odds to Win the 2023 Rugby World Cup

Current Odds

Odds are via BetOnline as of Thursday, September 28, 2023.

• South Africa +300
• Ireland +300
• France +350
• New Zealand +400
• England +1200
• Wales +2200
• Fiji +3300
• Argentina +4000
• Scotland +10000
• Italy +50000
• Samoa +50000
• Japan +100000
• Tonga +100000
• Georgia +100000
• Portugal +100000

No longer listed: Chile, Namibia, Romania, Uruguay

Changes from Previous Update (September 19)

• South Africa: previously +300
• Ireland: previously +425
• France: previously +275
• New Zealand: previously +425
• England: no change
• Wales: previously +4500
• Fiji: previously +4000
• Argentina: no change
• Scotland: no change
• Australia: previously +3300
• Italy: previously +75000
• Samoa: no change
• Japan: previously +40000
• Tonga: no change
• Georgia: no change
• Portugal: no change
• Chile: previously +150000
• Namibia: previously +150000
• Romania: previously +100000
• Uruguay: previously +100000

2023 Rugby World Cup Pools, Results, and Tournament Schedule

Pools

Pool A

Teams

• France, Italy, Namibia, New Zealand, Uruguay

Results

• France 27-13 New Zealand
• Italy 52-8 Namibia
• France 27-12 Uruguay
• New Zealand 71-3 Namibia
• Italy 38-17 Uruguay
• France 96-0 Namibia
• Uruguay 36-26 Namibia

Pool B

Teams

• Ireland, Romania, Scotland, South Africa, Tonga

Results

• Ireland 82-8 Romania
• South Africa 18-3 Scotland
• Ireland 59-16 Tonga
• South Africa 76-0 Romania
• South Africa 8-13 Ireland
• Scotland 45-17 Tonga

Pool C

Teams

• Australia, Fiji, Georgia, Portugal, Wales

Results

• Australia 35-15 Georgia
• Wales 32-26 Fiji
• Wales 28-8 Portugal
• Australia 15-22 Fiji
• Georgia 18-18 Portugal
• Wales 40-6 Australia

Pool D

Teams

• Argentina, Chile, England, Japan, Samoa

Results

• England 27-10 Argentina
• Japan 42-12 Chile
• Samoa 43-10 Chile
• England 34-12 Japan
• Argentina 19-10 Samoa
• England 71-0 Chile

2023 Rugby World Cup Round-by-Round Schedule

• Pool Play: September 8-October 8
• Quarterfinals: October 14 & 15
• Semifinals: October 20 & 21
• Bronze Final: October 27
• Final: October 28

Who Are the Rugby World Cup Favorites?

France (+275)

This is the tenth edition of the Rugby World Cup, which began in 1987. In that time, the host country has lifted the trophy three times. New Zealand did so in 1987 and 2011, while South Africa did so in 1995.

Can France join the club? They certainly couldn’t have asked for a better start. After New Zealand took a 13-9 lead early in the second half, France scored 18 unanswered points the rest of the way.

With that win out of the way, the rest of pool play should be smooth sailing. That said, they made hard work of their clash with Uruguay, who trailed by only one point in the second half before two French tries wrapped up the victory.

From here, the biggest pre-final hurdle for France will be a quarterfinal matchup with the runner-up of Pool B, which will be either Ireland or South Africa unless Scotland pull off the unlikely.

South Africa (+325)

Four years ago, the Springboks were not expected to reach the World Cup final, much less win it.

This time around, they aren’t sneaking up on anyone. In their final two Rugby World Cup warm-up games, they decimated Wales by 36 (52-16) and New Zealand by 28 (35-7).

In 2019, the Boks lost their toughest pool game to New Zealand but still went on to win the tournament. It’s possible that the same could occur this time around, with world number one Ireland ahead on the 23rd.

New Zealand (+375)

Though the All Blacks suffered rare consecutive defeats after finishing their Rugby World Cup prep with the loss to South Africa and kicking off the tournament with the loss to France, it would be unwise to dismiss the biggest name in the game.

However, a tough road is ahead for the All Blacks. No matter who they play in the quarters, both likely opponents, Ireland and South Africa, have had recent success against New Zealand.

Ireland (+500)

Along with France, Ireland are bidding to win the Rugby World Cup for the first time.

They sit atop the world rankings, but they will have to overcome a history of heartache to pocket the big prize. For all of the talented players that Ireland have had over the years, they have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals of the World Cup. In 2011 and 2015, Ireland went a perfect 4-0 in pool play, only to disappoint in the quarters.

That prospect could be in the cards again, with New Zealand or France ahead in the quarters. They beat France in the Six Nations in February, but World Cups can bring out the nerves more than any other competition can.

Rugby World Cup Predictions and Picks

France to reach the final (+115)

If they can take care of business against either Ireland or South Africa in the quarters, France will have a very favorable semifinal matchup with either England–the likely winners of Pool D–or Australia/Wales/Fiji (Pool C runner-up).

This year, France have played and beaten all four of those teams:

• March 11 (Six Nations): England 10-53 France
• March 11 (Six Nations): France 41-28 Wales
• August 19 (Rugby World Cup warm-up): France 34-17 Fiji
• August 27 (Rugby World Cup warm-up): France 41-17 Australia

First-Time Rugby World Cup Winner – Yes (+110)

In mapping out the tournament, I’m looking for France and Ireland to make the final.

There is a lot that has to happen for that outcome to play out–like Ireland beating out South Africa for top spot in Pool B to avoid a quarterfinal matchup with France–but it is the most likely final based on how things stack up for me.

Such a matchup would ensure that there will be a first-time winner for the first time since 2003, when England famously defeated hosts Australia with Jonny Wilkinson’s drop goal late in extra time.

Rugby World Cup Finals and Winners

• 2019: South Africa 32-12 England
• 2015: New Zealand 34-17 Australia
• 2011: New Zealand 8-7 France
• 2007: South Africa 15-6 England
• 2003: England 20-17 Australia (ET)
• 1999: Australia 35-12 France
• 1995: South Africa 15-12 New Zealand (ET)
• 1991: Australia 12-6 England
• 1987: New Zealand 29-9 France

Where to Bet on the 2023 Rugby World Cup

While rugby may not be one of the most widely watched or bet on sports in the United States, the Rugby World Cup always draws a lot of attention.

You can find 2023 Rugby World Cup odds at many of the top sports betting sites available to bettors in the USA. In addition to BetOnline, here are some of the online sportsbooks that we recommend which offer odds on each game in the tournament, as well as Rugby World Cup winner futures odds:

• BetUS
• Bovada
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our in-depth reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds. Happy betting, and please bet responsibly.