Not long to go now until Rugby World Cup 2019, the ninth instalment of the tournament where the world’s best international rugby union teams get to do battle for the Webb Ellis Cup.

Japan host this year’s extravaganza, with the favorites well spread out across the four pools. New Zealand remain the team to beat and are a best price 5/4 (+125) with the major sportsbooks, but there’ll be plenty of teams going all out to stop them winning their third title in a row.

Below, we break down the Pool-by-Pool winner odds, which will determine who faces who in the knockout stages in accordance with the Rugby World Cup schedule.

Pool A Winner Odds

This is the first time that the tournament has been held in Japan, and if the feelgood factor can translate onto the field of play in the same way it did in 2015, another surprise match result might be on the cards, although the hosts are unlikely to trouble the group leadership.

Scotland have enough in the tank to take Ireland all the way, but they’ll need to cut out the routine errors that have blighted some of their performances in 2019. Expect Samoa to keep Russia at the foot of the table too.

Pool B Winner Odds

Winners of the last two Rugby World Cups, the All Blacks haven’t had the best warm up to the tournament. A slender win over Argentina was followed by a draw against South Africa and a humbling by Australia which was at least reversed in the next game. Tournament rugby is their forte, however, and they’ll take some stopping in this group.

South Africa, meanwhile, know what it takes to stand toe to toe with the Kiwis in the recent past, and they won’t be overawed on this stage. It’ll take a big performance from Rassie Erasmus’ side to top the group, but they can’t be ruled out. They’re 9/2 (+450) second favorites in the outright betting.

Pool C Winner Odds

A reasonable Six Nations tournament from Eddie Jones’ England – 5/1 third favorites for the tournament – has been followed up by an equally tight warm up schedule where they’ve looked like world beaters one minute, and played off the park the next.

France aren’t the team they once were, but Argentina are in reasonable form coming into the tournament and could cause problems if they’re not dealt with early. A strong England squad makes them clear favourites to win the Pool.

Pool D Winner Odds

A wonderful Six Nations saw Wales deservedly take the Grand Slam, though they’ve been soundly beaten by England at Twickenham since then, and lost to Ireland at the end of August.

Australia have been rocked by the sacking of Israel Folau after a disciplinary issue, and by taking such a world class talent out of the side, the Aussies are certainly weakened. They’ve put in some acceptable performances in 2019, and the 47-26 win over New Zealand was undoubtedly the highlight.

If they can reach those heights again then Wales – who have recently drifted out to 12/1 (+1200) outsiders in the tournament betting – will be looking warily over their shoulders.

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