World Cup Decision Will Make No Difference

16. April 2002

Tomorrow night’s decision on the staging of the Rugby World Cup will have no bearing on the TAB market for the event.

The New Zealand betting agency, which opens its book tomorrow morning, has made Australia favourites to retain the Cup and rugby bookie Mark Stafford says that won’t change even if New Zealand is awarded co-host status for the event.

“ The Wallabies will stay as favourites regardless of the decision, they’re the form team when playing in the southern hemisphere and will obviously have home advantage if they make the final.”

Stafford does concede that if New Zealand achieves a semi final in their programme it could have some bearing on the All Blacks chances of winning the Cup. “ A home semi is preferable and obviously gives the All Blacks a better chance of reaching the final,” he says.

Despite not winning the 6 Nations championship this season England are the third favourites with the TAB ahead of South Africa and France.

The New Zealand TAB is the first major world betting agency to open on the 2002 World Cup.

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The TAB’s opening World Cup prices:

Australia $2.50
New Zealand $2.85
England $5.00
South Africa $7.50
France $8.00
Ireland $40.00
Argentina $100.00
Scotland $250.00
Wales $250.00

A number of teams have still to qualify for the Cup and their prices will be in excess of $250.00 when they do.

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