This time big punters have learnt their lesson!

This time big punters have learnt their lesson!

The NZ All Blacks go into the Rugby World Cup a clear $1.72 favourite on Centrebet, but unlike their bids of the past, this time punters on both sides of the Tasman have travelled with caution!

"The All Blacks opened $2.30 a long time ago, and have been as short as $1.50 at the height of their build-up," Media Chief Neil Evans said.

"And there's been thousands of bets taken, but $10,000.00 outright is about the biggest. Clients from Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin and across Australia have put down scores of bets from $200.00 to $5,000.00, but refuse to go off early!

"They burnt their fingers big-time on the All Blacks early in 2007 - I remember wagers of over $200,000.00 - but this time they're not obsessed by NZ's odds-on favouritism!

Evans said the Wallabies are closing all the time and have firmed on Centrebet from $4.50 into $3.85, and have very well backed in the last week!

Defending champion South Africa is well back on the third line at $9.00, with 2003 conquerer England out at $15.00!

"It's a simple fear for all NZ Rugby fans! Some 24 years after they won the inaugural tournament, they can either draw level with the Wallabies and Springboks on two, or painfully watch one country win it for an historic third time!" he said.

Rugby World Cup - 2011

$1.72. New Zealand. (out from $1.70) $3.85. Australia. (in from $4.50) $9.00. South Africa $15.00. England $19.00. France $41.00. Ireland $81.00. Wales $201.00 bar

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