Rugby

Rugby World Cup 2023 predictions and tips today 23/09/2023

September 23, 2023 5:07 am

The Rugby World Cup 2023 is entering its third weekend already, with a smorgasbord of action coming our way this Saturday. Here at Pundit Feed we love betting on all things rugby, so here are our top Rugby World Cup tips today:

  • Prediction 1: Georgia to defeat Portugal by 1-12
  • Prediction 2: Chile +43.5 handicap against England
  • Prediction 3: Bongi Mbonambi to score for South Africa against Ireland

Rugby World Cup predictions today

Like the sound of these bets, but aren’t confident enough to take a punt yet? Then read on, because every single one of our Rugby World Cup tips today is backed by the latest data, trends and expert analysis, so you can be sure if we suggest a wager, there’s good reason for it. Here’s why we suggest these Rugby World Cup predictions today:

Georgia to defeat Portugal by 1-12 @ 15/8 (2.87)

A focus of World Rugby over the past four years has been investing in tier three teams such as Portugal and Spain, in order to make them competitive come World Cup time. This effort has well and truly been successful, with Portugal putting on a competitive showing against Wales, despite losing 28-8 eventually.

While Georgia have had their moments in recent years as well, their 35-15 loss to Australia was underwhelming, and it feels as though this match will be much more competitive than perhaps some are expecting it to be.

Georgia should come away with the victory, but don’t be surprised if it’s only by a score or two, and Portugal fall within the 1-12 margin. For a more conservative bet, take them at the +15 handicap at 1/1(2.00), or for a riskier punt, back Portugal to be ahead at the break at 10/1 (11.00).

Chile +43.5 handicap against England @ 3/2 (2.50)

With Chile the newest team at the Rugby World Cup, and England an established power, the victor of this match is hardly in question. However, we say there’s money to be made with a smart wager on Chile falling within the +43.5 handicap here.

Across their first two matches, Chile have lost by 30 points to Japan, and 33 points to Samoa. Considering how fresh Chile is, these results are quite impressive. England on the other hand, have been playing safe, conservative rugby–scoring zero tries against Argentina (winning by 17) and just the four against Japan (winning by 22 points).

Throw these two records together, and it’s tough to see an English side with plenty of positional changes running in a big score here. They’ll win, but we say it’ll be by about 30-40 points (take that bet at 9/2 (5.50) for a healthy return too).

Bongi Mbonambi to score for South Africa against Ireland @ 5/2 (3.50)

It’s the toughest match of the weekend to call, with the bookies having Ireland vs South Africa a virtual dead heat in the outright betting odds. However, one thing we know for sure–this will be a physical battle, with the Springboks leaning on their set piece weapons and big forwards in an attempt to out-muscle Ireland. Whether or not it gets them the result is another question, but we say at some stage in the mix, Bongi Mbonambi will be crossing for a try.

Mbonambi is likely to play some big minutes, given the injury to Malcolm Marx meaning their depth at hooker is severely limited. Add in the fact that the Tongans showed some of Ireland’s vulnerabilities around the breakdown, and there’s a very good chance the stocky hooker will be able to grab a meat pie in this match.

Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!