Rugby World Cup Betting - England Specials

Martin Johnson's charges have shown gradual improvement over the last year and have the makings of a team that could go all the way, but 2011 is probably too early.

Johnny Wilkinson looks set to occupy the pivotal 10 jersey as Johnson hopes to see a repeat of 2003.

But England is not the settle team it was in 2003, yet they look a lot better than they did in 2007, when they made the final against South Africa. There's some much needed X factor in players like Ashton and Tuilagi but they key to winning the cup will still rest on the shoulders of the pack and the pivot. Don't believe anyone who tells you running rugby will win a World Cup.

So how will England fair? William Hill has posted the following odds on the stage of elimination for England:

Pool Stage (12/1), Quarter Final (5/6), Semi Final (5/2), Runner Up (13/2), Winner (16/1).

From these odds William Hill, and most other bookies, seem to think that England is most likely to suffer a Cup exit at the Quarter Final stage against France which we think is a bit harsh.

The value bet here is betting on an England exit in the Semi Final against Australia at 5/2. The Aussies are peaking at the right time. Their pack has more mongrel in it that in the last 20 years, and they have depth in key positions. As much as it pains me to say this, England will struggle with the pace they play the game at, even if the Australians play it conservatively. Blast away if you disagree with me :)

Chris Ashton is 2/1 to score the most tries for England with Mark Cueto at 13/2 and Manu Tuilagi at 7/2.