The Rugby World Cup is back. The 2019 World Cup tournament will serve as a platform to watch both experienced and young talented players. For the millions of fans, it will be another awesome chance to watch some great rivalry among teams and more importantly place Rugby World Cup odds on different games.
With 48 matches crammed into just 40 odd
days, the World Cup offers a plethora of betting markets. One interesting
market is picking the two finalists – England v New Zealand is available at 15/2 and even 10/1, with South Africa v New Zealand at 11/4.
Then there are bets on individual accolades, with the top try scorer being the most prominent. New Zealand’s Sevu Reece is a hot favourite with odds of 15/2, followed by teammate Rieko Ioane at 10/1. Outside the All Blacks, Irishman Jacob Stockdale and English flyer Jonny May are both available at 10/1.
Aside from these stars, the following are
five players to watch in this Rugby World Cup — based on their potential and
past results.
Jonathan Sexton, Fly-Half, Ireland
Jonathan Sexton is one of the most consistent players in the Northern Hemisphere. The Leinsterman is also one of the best players on the global scene known for his talent and mental toughness. Last year, Last year, the 33 year old was awarded ‘World Player of the Year’. Thanks to his winning mentality and tactical kicking, many pundits see him as the key cog in Ireland’s World Cup Campaign.
Beauden Barrett, Fullback or fly-half, New Zealand
Over the years, New Zealand has produced
some of the best players in the world of rugby. Beauden Barrett is arguably the
All Blacks most important player in their quest to become the 2019 World Cup
champions. Barrett could be considered one of the most versatile players in
this year’s world cup where he will be expected to play with 10 or 15 on his back.
Leone Nakarawa, Second-Row, Fiji
The last four years have been great for Fiji Rugby, they’ve risen in the World Ranking and thanks to an abundance of talented and skilful players such as Nakarawa they claimed Gold in Rugby 7s at the latest Olympics in Rio. Fiji fans will be hoping for a repeat of Rio Olympics in Japan. In addition to his physicality, the ‘Octopus’ brings a unique blend of physicality and skill with his off-loading game that is considered to be one of the worlds best.
Jordan Petaia, Centre, Australia
Australia have opted for a blend of youth and experience in this year’s world cup. At just 19, Jordan Petaia is one of the youngest professional players in this year’s tournament. In the last 24 months, Petaia has exhibited not only consistency in his play but also his versatility throughout the Super Rugby season with the Queensland Reds.
Although it’s unlikely he will be a run on
option for Michael Cheika, he could be considered a very valuable impact sub
for the Wallabies.
Siya Kolisi, Back-Row, South Africa
Born in 1991, Kolisi is one of the key players to watch in Japan this
year. Kolisi is not only an experienced player for South Africa but he has been
appointed captain for the World Cup campaign. He is not new to the
international competitions featuring in his second World Cup. He also starred
at underage level in the IRB Junior World Championships seven years ago. Away
from the pitch, Kolisi is an integral part of the team, continually working in
the South African community setting a great example for budding rugby stars
throughout South Africa.
No doubt throughout the tournament many other players will put their hands up and become future starts for the countries.
