Our previous article Rugby World Cup Betting Favourites – Teams highlighted some of the strengths, weaknesses and historic performances of top teams participating in the Rugby World Cup this year. With this article we take a more in depth look at individual player performances and how these are influencing the rugby betting markets. Take a look at Types of Rugby World Cup Betting Markets if you would like to know more about these before we begin.
Rugby World Cup Betting Favourites – Players
Rugby betting markets such as “Top Try Scorer” and “most points scored by an individual player” for example are all dependent on an individual players performance. Rugby betting fans have been keeping their eyes on a few players that may deem these titles in the upcoming Rugby World Cup and we have a look at these here. Of course the rugby betting odds aren’t out yet on these but we can always have fun predicting.
Top Try Scorer
In the last 3 World Cups the top try scorers have all been outside backs for one of the favourite nations going into the tournament. In 2003 it was both Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina playing for the All Blacks with 7 tries each. In 2007 it was Bryan Habana(South Africa) who scored 8 tries in the tournament to match the record for the most tries in a Rugby World Cup held by Johan Lomu. Finally, in 2011 it was Chris Aston(England) and Vincent Clerc(France) with 6 tries each.
So who will be the top try scorer in the 2015 Rugby World Cup? Here are some educated guesses.
Julian Savea – This New Zealand wing is strong, fast, powerful and skilful. He is currently the highest try-scorer of his era with 30 tries in 33 tests. Playing for the All Blacks who are the favourites going into the Rugby World Cup will give him fantastic chance to score the most tries.
Jesse Kriel– The Number 13 for South Africa has made a very impressive start to his international career with 2 tries in 2 test. If he keeps his starting position he is set to carry this try scoring form into the World Cup.
Ben Smith– The New Zealand back is a formidable attacking force at full back and wing and with Isreal Dagg out of form is sure to be the first choice full back for the All Blacks. Ben scored 6 tries in this year’s Super 15 and is a powerful runner.
Other players to watch: Bryan Habana (South Africa), Jonathan Josephs (England), Israel Folau (Australia) and George North (Wales).
Most Points by a Player
It is no real surprise to see that the top point scorers from the previous three world cups have been the fly half or person responsible for kicking for poles. In 2003, Frederic Michalak (103) and Jonny Wilkinson (98) top the individual points table. In 2007 Percy Montgomery scored 105 points for the eventual winners, South Africa and in 2011 it was Morne Steyn who scored 62 points in the tournament.
So as far as rugby betting goes it’s best to put a bet on one of the Fly halves (or person who kicks for poles) of one of the top five teams.
George Ford – this English fly half has a very accurate boot and was the leading points scorer in the 2015 Six Nations.
Handre Pollard– the young South African pivot has an impressive kicking record and has excelled in Rugby World Cups at junior level.
Dan Carter – one of the greatest fly halves of all time. The All Black star has had bad luck with injuries in World Cups but if he stays fit he will more than likely rack up an impressive amount of points for the All Blacks.
Other players to watch: Leigh Halfpenny(Wales) and Jonathan Sexton (Ireland)
Take a look at our useful Advice for Rugby Betting should you be interested in placing a few bets on the players in this years Rugby World Cup.
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