Australia World Cup Rugby 2019 betting preview

Australia are assessed at an enticing $17 to win the Rugby World Cup and in many ways the Wallabies are the most difficult of all 20 teams to assess heading into the tournament.

The problem is weighing their sub-standard form of the past few years against their outstanding showings in this tournament over many years.

The Wallabies defeated the All Blacks in emphatic fashion recently in Perth, but it must be remembered the Kiwis were a man down before half-time thanks to a red card. A week later New Zealand set the record straight in no uncertain terms with a 36-0 thrashing in Auckland.

Over the past few years the Kiwis and even Springboks have dominated the Wallabies, but there is no shame in that. They are clearly two of the best four teams in the world. Australia will still be dangerous for the better northern hemisphere teams and if things fall their way they could go deep.

Of course, they have to contend with the off-field dramas surrounding Israel Folau, a lock at fullback in any world XV selected over the past half-dozen years.

So it’s something of a new-look Australia heading to Japan in pursuit of the William Webb Ellis Cup. Which means they are something of a smokey and go in without great expectations. Which means they are more carefree and will be dangerous.

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Where Australia will finish in the 2019 Rugby World Cup

WGL prediction: Quarter-finals. We have been wavering somewhat with this forecast. We based it on the belief that Wales would best the Wallabies in the pool stage and Australia would wind up playing the formidable England team in the quarters. So if the Wallabies can get the better of Wales, there is every chance they could reach the semis. From there who knows.

Previous best World Cup result: Champions 1991, 1999

Australia’s Rugby World Cup draw

Match 2: Australia v Fiji, Saturday, Sep 21, Pool D, Sapporo Dome
Match 17: Australia v Wales, Sunday, Sep 29, Pool D, Tokyo Stadium
Match 24: Australia v Uruguay, Saturday, Oct 5, Pool D, Oita Stadium
Match 33: Australia v Georgia, Friday, Oct 11, Pool D, Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa

Australia’s most recent results

July 20: South Africa 35 d Australia 17, Rugby Championship, Johannesburg, South Africa
July 27: Australia 16 d Argentina 10, Rugby Championship, Brisbane, Australia
August 10: Australia 47 d New Zealand 26, Rugby Championship, Perth, Australia
August 17: New Zealand 36 d Australia 0, Australia tour, Auckland, NZ
September 7: Australia 34 d Samoa 15, Samoa tour, Parramatta

Australia’s record against Pool D rivals

Wales: Played 42: won 30, lost 11, drawn 1. Points for: 979, Points against: 634
Fiji: Played 21: won 18, lost 2, drawn 1. Points for: 611, Points against: 248
Georgia: Played 0
Uruguay: Played 1: won 1, lost 0. Points for: 65, Points against: 3

Australia squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Coach: Michael Cheika

Forwards: Isi Naisarani, Jack Dempsey, Michael Hooper (captain), David Pocock, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rory Arnold, Izack Rodda, Adam Coleman, Rob Simmons, Allan Alaalatoa, Taniela Tupou, Sekope Kepu, Scott Sio, James Slipper, Tolu Latu, Folau Fainga’a, Jordan Uelese.

Backs: Kurtley Beale, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Marika Koroibete, Jordan Petaia, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, James O’Connor, Samu Kerevi, Matt Toomua, Christian Lealiifano, Bernard Foley, Nic White, Will Genia.

Leading try-scorer prediction for Australia

Marika Koroibete: The Fijian-born powerhouse has been a sensation in league and union. He represent Fiji in the 13-a-side code and was a star for the Melbourne Storm before switching codes and joining the Melbourne Rebels. Koroibete is freakishly strong and quick and will be one of the players to watch in the tournament.

Australia predictions – leap of faith for Wallabies

As mentioned we find the 2019 Wallabies hard to line up. They will be all in on their game against Wales, and if they avoid slip-ups against the likes of Fiji, the draw could open up nicely. A win against Wales, then a probable quarter-final against France or Argentina and they could find themselves in a semi-final. If only someone can take care of those pesky All Blacks! Bring it on.

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