Sports gambling and the Rugby World Cup

Irish sports gambling fans are almost always fervent supporters of any Irish national side in whatever sport, and we have no doubt whatsoever that the prospect of an Ireland side playing in a World Cup will attract a great deal of gambling interest. World Cups in any sport do not come round that often and the Rugby World Cup which kicked off yesterday at Twickenham is no exception. Over recent years sports gambling fans with a particular interest in gambling on rugby will know that Ireland have been very successful in the Six Nations tournament, as have the Irish provincial sides in the European Cup, so hopes are high that Ireland can go a long way in this tournament. Certainly rugby gambling fans will look at Pool D where Ireland have been drawn with France, Italy, Canada and Romania and will have high expectations that a quarter final spot is well within reach if the side perform to their abilities. Whilst most Irish rugby gambling fans will expect Ireland to be competing with France for the top two spots in their pool, they will also know that the winner of Pool D will potentially have an easier route to the semi-finals than the runner up. For most sports gambling fans who enjoy gambling on rugby the pool stages are predictable to some extent, with the exception of what is being called the pool of death where hosts England, Wales and Australia are competing for just two places. However anybody who has ever tried gambling on sporting events will know that there will always be surprises. If Ireland win their group they are likely to taking on Argentina for a place in the semis, but finishing as runners up will pitch them against the overwhelming favourites New Zealand.