World Cup / Editor / 14 October 2007 / Leave a comment

Ashton's men matched at enormous price on the exchange before remarkable turnaround

If you thought England were going to win the Rugby World Cup when they were being humiliated 36-0 by South Africa in the pool stages, then you should have logged on to Betfair - because at that stage they were available at 280 (279-1) to defend their crown.

Yes, 280.

And they were also 80 (79-1) on Betfair just to reach the final.

But they overcame a 9-5 deficit - at which point they drifted to over 4.5 (7-2) to win the match on Betfair - to beat France 14-9 on Saturday night and are now one victory away from being the first side to retain the Rugby World Cup.

They are trading at 3 (2-1) on Betfair to do so.

Betfair spokesman Tony Calvin explains: "England were nigh on friendless in the betting after that South African whitewash, but the few that kept the faith were rewarded with some astonishing three-figure odds.

"And should Argentina beat the Springboks tonight, we will probably be in a situation where they go into next's week final as favourites, a quite astonishing turn of events.

"It is comparable to Newcastle becoming favourites to win the Premiership in the next month.

"One thing is for sure. Next week's final is set to be the biggest betting rugby union match ever."

Tags: England, World Cup Betting