Ireland Backed For Rugby World Cup Following Wales Win

Punters have rediscovered faith in Ireland’s Rugby World Cup prospects following the weekend victory over Wales despite the anticipation of some high profile omissions from the squad when it is submitted by Joe Schmidt this week.

Press reports on Monday suggested second-row Devin Toner looks set to miss out alongside the likes of Jordi Murphy and Kieran Marmion.

Despite starting the year as 7/2 second favourites behind New Zealand, the Irish side had drifted to 10/1 after a lacklustre Six Nations campaign and a crushing warm-up defeat to England at Twickenham.

Renewed support in the wake of the Wales victory has seen them close back into 8/1 to win their first World Cup ahead of kick-off later this month.

Jacob Stockdale ran in two tries against the current Six Nations champions at the weekend and he is the odds-on favourite at 4/5 to be the Top Tryscorer for Ireland in Japan, with Keith Earls a 10/3 shot to outscore the Ulsterman.

Wales’ defeat in Cardiff saw them lose their top spot in the world ranking which has now been reclaimed by New Zealand and it’s the All-Blacks who remain the 11/8 favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup ahead of England at 4/1.

*Prices correct at time of publication