Betfair Official Blog

England V USA betting

England begin the defence of the Webb Ellis Cup with surely a Pool A banker against international minnows USA on September 8 - and are short odds in the betting to get off to a winning start.

Brian Ashton's men, seventh in the IRB world rankings, will be confident of starting on a positive note with a confidence-boosting victory in Lens against the lowly Super Eagles.

Most bets will be on England as USA only resumed playing international matches in 1976 and are not fancied in the betting to emerge from a group that includes South Africa, Samoa and Tonga.

USA suffered the worst defeat in their history to England - 106-8 on August 21, 1999 - but those looking for a bet on the winning margin may believe they have made enough strides to avoid another such drubbing and the odds on a repeat will be huge.

USA coach Peter Thorburn believes his emerging team is capable of upsetting the odds along the way, having beaten Uruguay over two legs in the pre-World Cup Americas tournaments to book their place at this year's France showpiece.

They have featured in the betting for four of the five rugby union World Cups - missing out in when they failed to qualify in 1995 - and will be shorter odds for their Pool A clashes against Samoa and Tonga.

Those considering USA as an outside bet should be aware experienced full-back Francois Viljoen will miss the tournament after tearing knee ligaments at the training camp in Iowa, which will impact on their odds.

Top scorer and captain for the qualifiers against the Uruguayans, Mike Hercus, formerly of Sale Sharks, should enhance USA's chances and improve their prospects in the points betting.

In contrast, England's World Cup final match-winner from four years ago and all-time top scorer with 904 points, Jonny Wilkinson, is fit again after a torrid time with injuries and odds on the hugely popular star will be snapped up in the various betting markets.

He has suffered from knee ligament, arm, shoulder and kidney problems since his winning drop goal in extra-time against the home nation but don't let that put you off having a bet.

The Newcastle star is the third highest overall points scorer in World Cup history with 182 points and England along with those having a bet on the champions will again look to the inspirational fly-half to lead them to glory - starting against USA.

England v USA along with the rest of the tournament offers a wide breadth of betting opportunities with ante-post odds available for those planning early bets.