England vs. Wales - Betting preview and odds

World Cup

Rugby
Published: 24/09/2015

England vs. Wales - Betting preview and odds

September 26, 2015 20:00pm - Twickenham Stadium

Rugby World Cup

The atmosphere will be electric at Twickenham on Saturday as England take on Wales in a crucial Pool A encounter.

A comfortable start

With just two teams able to progress to the quarter-finals from a pool that also contains Australia, the implications of this game are huge for the two British teams.

Both nations started the tournament with comfortable wins, with England beating Fiji 35-11 and Wales cruising past Uruguay by a 54-9 score line. While both results went as expected, it was the Welsh he paid the heaviest price in terms of preparation.

Injury-ravaged Wales

Warren Gatland’s team were hit hard by injuries before the tournament even began, and that trend has continued with several more players having been added to the sick-list. Samson Lee, Liam Williams, Paul James and Aaron Jarvis will all need further tests ahead of the clash with England on Saturday, while centre Cory Allen will definitely miss out after straining a hamstring.

With so many big name players either missing or doubtful for Wales, it is the host nation that will start the game as clear favourites.

Lancaster makes changes

England Head coach Stuart Lancaster has replaced fly-half George Ford with Owen Farrell for the clash with Wales. The Saracens man has been reintroduced to the starting line-up after impressing from the bench in the win over Fiji. Former rugby league man Sam Burgess has also been drafted in after inside-centre Jonathan Joseph was withdrawn through injury.

The decision to drop Ford has raised a few eye-brows from pundits but Lancaster has always preferred to start with an in-form Farrell whenever possible.

Billy Vunipola will take the number eight position in place of Ben Morgan who has picked up a knee injury while Saracens back Alex Goode and Wasps flanker James Haskell have both been added to the bench.

Recent meetings

England have beaten Wales in their last two meetings and have only lost two of their last 15 matches against their opponents when playing on home soil.

Betting odds and tips

Thanks to home advantage and a Welsh injury crisis, the host nation will start as favourites and you can back England to win at 1/3 with Boylesports. However, it should be a close match and you may find better value by backing Wales +8 in the Handicap Market at 11/10 with Bet365.

For a great value bet in the Anytime Tryscorer market, why not back England winger Anthony Watson at 21/10 with Bet365.

Go To bet365
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Any odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of publishing (24/09/2015) but are subject to change.

24/09/2015     © Frixo 2024

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