The Rugby World Cup is here, and there is a chance for those who don't have a huge interest in the sport to get into it. One of the best ways is to have an interest in the games.
We've got your back with some of the best bets for the first week of Rugby World Cup action.
England v Fiji - Fiji +23.5 10/11
Fiji are seriously underrated going into this tournament. The current Pacific Nations champions are ranked ninth in the world, and will shock one of the big teams in the pool of death. Players like Nemani Nadolo, Leone Nakawara, and Ben Volavola will light it up. The biggest problem with Fiji in recent years has been their discipline, but they've put a big effort in preparation. They recruited retired Irish referee Alain Rolland in to help them, and if they manage to not have players sin binned they will earn losing bonus points at least.
The handicap of 23.5 for Fiji is very generous, and should be snapped up.
South Africa v Japan - Japan +40.5 5/6
South Africa are good. Very good in fact. They may be in slightly worrying form, and haven't played in over a month. There will be some rustiness to clear, and while they should be Japan well, 40 points is a lot. Not that this Japanese team is bad. The Japanese have Super Rugby experience for the first time going into a World Cup, meaning Fumiaki Tanaka, Hendrick Tui, Michael Leitch, and Shota Horie will have no problems facing the Boks.
The Japanese beat a shallow Welsh side two years ago, and beat the New Zealand Maori in the last year. They will be very competitive this year, and should stay within 20 points.
New Zealand v Argentina - Agustin Creevy to score anytime 7/1
Argentina's hooker Agustin Creevy scored twice against New Zealand this year in the Rugby Championship. The Pumas will target the lineout maul as a source of tries, and managed to destroy New Zealand in that aspect in July. Creevy will be the player at the back of the mauls, and a price of 7/1 is delicious value.
Samoa to qualify from Pool B - 15/8
If we assume that South Africa will be one team to qualify from Pool B, the final team will come from Scotland or Samoa. It's unlikely that Japan or the USA will manage to string three wins together, leaving the showdown between 11th ranked Samoa and 10th ranked Scotland as a key game. Samoa are much better now than they were four months ago. New players like Tim Nanai Williams will give them some flair out wide, and while Scotland are improving - a 33% chance that is being given to Samoa is very attractive. I'd almost consider them narrow favourites over Scotland, so with the price being skewed slightly, it's a must bet.
Australia to win Pool A - 7/4
Michael Cheika has done wonders for Australia. The Rugby Championship winners have been given a favourable schedule - especially given that Fiji have all their big guns out against England and will have their second string out for Australia on Wednesday. Australia have always had the numbers of England and Wales, meaning that a price of over evens should be snapped up as great value.
