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Heineken Cup Final Odds

Timothy Masters — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:44:29 +0000

I am sometimes surprised by the enduring appeal and excellence of the Heineken Cup, not because it is a bad idea, or poorly executed, but because one of the biggest markets at which it is aimed, France, bans advertising alcohol. You’d think this would put the main sponsors off, but the continued brilliance of the play and incredibly intensity has meant the beer men come back and call it the ‘H Cup’ across the channel.

Last season saw an epic comeback and victory for Leinster, as they overcame the largest half-time deficit ever to overturned in a final to beat Northampton 33-22, and once again the Irish province find themselves in the final on the 19^th May, this time taking on a more familiar foe. The Irish RFU will be delighted that Ulster will compete with the European Champions that day in the first ever all-Irish final.

At this stage Leinster are 2/9 to win the pot, with Ulster listed at 11/4 by PaddyPower, which may be down to a combination of factors. Firstly, Ulster were much less impressive in their semi, managing to beat an Edinburgh side not overly fancied, while the Leinster boys came through against Clermont Auvergne in France, one of the hardest tasks to complete in the Heineken Cup. Add to that the recent RaboDirect Pro12 League game between the two sides where Ulster were beaten 16-8 on their home ground and it is clear why Leinster are fancied.

Bet365 have Leinster by 13+ at 7/4 if you’re interested in specifics of score, but these occasions can often be tighter affairs than expected due to the intensity and prize at stake. In some ways you’d expect them to be buoyed by that, but the reality is that with a chance to make this three Cup wins in four years Leinster are well-aware of what it takes to win at this level, and will leave nothing to chance in trying to secure another victory on the biggest stage.

PaddyPower offer 7/5 on the first try coming from the back 3, with 2/1 on a forward effort opening the scoring, but I’d be tempted to put that the other way around such is the importance of a good pack at this level. If you love Leinster, Ulster or just rugby, this is not a match you should miss, and if rugby is not quite your thing yet then I can’t personally think of a better way to get into the sport than what will be a titanic battle for one of the biggest prizes you can win. Game very much on.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Heineken Cup Final Odds

Six Nations Preview

Timothy Masters — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 10:24:29 +0000

A pivotal weekend in the Six Nations kicks off in a few hours as Wales take on Italy at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. Some have suggested the dropping of captain Sam Warburton is to protect him for more important games, but both the camp and the player have been keen to emphasise that he really is hurt, and would not be playing were this France in Dunedin.

The bookies don’t give the Italians much hope, installing Wales as crushing favourites (1/33, SkyBet) to win the match and take another step towards the Grand Slam. This is probably justified given the total lack of progress Italy have made over the last three years, and there could be tries too if North and Cuthbert click.

Scotland (10/3, Ladbrokes) will pop to the Aviva today in the later game, and with their hosts Ireland (3/10) are a clear favourite despite the loss of Sean O’Brien to injury. Actually, with the flanker being replaced by O’Mahony, we may be seeing another future star, and O’Brien has faded slightly of late, so it may be the wake-up call he needs to refocus.

France (11/25, BetFair) host England (11/4) in Paris on Sunday, and despite a loss to Wales the English camp has been buzzing this week. If they are allowed to compete with France under the control of a competent referee, not the walking, bleating joke that is Steve Walsh, scourge of rugby and hogger of mirrors, then we may see a really good game here, and some lovely play.

Overall, Wales are 9/20 with Betfair to win the Championship, and 8/15 to do the Grand Slam with Bet365. This year has been a fantastic, open affair so far and we can only hope it continues through and gives us a few more brilliant battles.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Six Nations Preview

Next England Coach

Timothy Masters — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:56:56 +0000

Today the news broke that Jake White, the former South Africa and current ACT Brumbies coach, wished not to be considered for the England manager/head coach position, leaving the Rugby Football Union with an ever-decreasing pool of candidates to pick from. Part of the problem, for me, is that current incumbent Stuart Lancaster has essentially been given a five game audition where others haven’t, and English performances have led to some short odds on Stuart Lancaster (7/4) being given the job full-time.

The favourite remains Nick Mallett (2/5), former South Africa and Italy coach, and with White ruled out he seems to have become the pedigree of the field as well, far outstripping Lancaster’s experience at the top level. It has emerged that this was a factor on John Kirwan not being considered, that the New Zealander has not coached a top-eight side, which hopefully won’t backfire on the hiring committee.

Eddie O’Sullivan (33/1) is the other front-runner with the know-how at the top level, but his much longer odds may be a reflection of the fact the Irishman was never considered the most talented or imaginative coach during his time in charge of his home nation. Michael Cheika (50/1) is the current Stade Français coach and one of the more left-field possible appointments, but it may be time for the RFU to take a risk or two.

Toby Booth (40/1) and Conor O’Shea (66/1) are cut from a similar cloth to Cheika, having distinguished themselves at club level and not yet having made the step up. I think the former is more likely than the latter, personally, but you’d also assume that this would be too big a job for your first in international ruby. Finally, the truly unlikely names include the disgraced Dean Richards (66/1), Richard Cockerill (66/1) and Ian McGeechan (100/1), but if any of those three end up head coach I’ll eat a hat made of cheese.

All odds from WilliamHill

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Next England Coach

France v Ireland and the 6 Nations Champions

Timothy Masters — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:27:04 +0000

After the French national stadium was shut down by some cold weather rugby fans get a nice bonus this week in the shape of Ireland taking on the French in Paris. At only 20/1 with SkyBet to win the tournament outright the Irish have been somewhat superseded by the Welsh, and the loss of Brian O’Driscoll didn’t help either.

The French are 7/4 with SkyBet to win the tournament outright, and 4/11 with BlueSquare to come out victorious today, but there is a lot of noise around the fact this is the best chance in a while for Ireland to get an away win in this fixture. One of the crucial factors will be their missing captain, for sure, but Wesley Fofana has yet to really catch fire in the blue back line, and Ireland may go after him.

The win for Wales over England, with a man-of-the-match performance by Steve Walsh for the Welsh has created a two-team competition in essence, so this game is also the next step for France in setting up a replay of the World Cup semi-final. They’ll just be hoping not to get another French referee, I suppose, after the shambles in New Zealand, but Alain Rolland may sneak in under his Irish banner.

Amazingly, the French are also fancied for the Wales game, despite the fact they have not been that impressive. Today is a chance for Philippe Saint-Andre to show just what he has achieved so far with his team, and hopefully lay down a marker for the Welsh to see, but with England in Paris to play before they visit Cardiff, the men in blue will be steeling themselves for three difficult games.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

France v Ireland and the 6 Nations Champions

Six Nations Preview

Bet123 — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:06:54 +0000

Every sport has it – that annual event that everyone can look forward to. You do not have to be the biggest fan of the game that is being played to suddenly become fixated by a certain event. In tennis it is Wimbledon, in golf it is The Masters in horse racing it is the Grand National.

In rugby, it is the RBS Six Nations. Admittedly, the World Cup is the biggest event in the sport when it comes around once every four years, but as far as having something to look forward to each and every year, this is it.

There is not long to wait now, either. Little over a month in fact. Here we have the run-down on how each of the competing six teams weigh up against one another.

Where else to start, but England? Their first game starts at Murrayfield on February 4 when they take on Scotland. Last year they won the tournament, and almost completed the grand slam but for a thoroughly disappointing defeat at the hands of Ireland. The last time they achieved such a feat was back in 2003, before going on to win the World Cup.

Now under new management, with the impetus on bringing through the bright young talents that fill the Aviva Premiership right now, England will surely be hoping to secure a second successive title so that they have something to build upon as they work towards the next World Cup in 2015.

As for Scotland, they will be hoping for a marked improvement upon how they fared in 2011. they finished joint bottom of the table with Italy, who also happened to be the only side they beat throughout the entire Championship. They lost the other four, and know full well that they can do better than a paltry two points.

Italy, who themselves only managed to win once last time around, and year by year are the standard bet to take home the wooden spoon. But every time you see them play they look better than they did before, with rugby union really on the rise in their country. They may once again take on the role of whipping-boys, but will certainly take heart from that famous win over France last year.

The Italians’ opponents for the first round of fixtures are indeed France. The game at the Stade de France will set the stage and present the perfect opportunity for the French to take their revenge. Many will make them favourites to win this year, with the IRB Player of the Year, Thierry Dusautoir in their ranks.

That leaves just Wales and Ireland. The Welsh will not have been happy with their fourth placed finish last time out, having won the tournament as recently as 2008 when they completed a memorable grand slam in their final game against France.

Ireland proved last year that they are capable of beating any of their Six Nations opponents. They were the only side to beat England last year having also beaten Italy and Scotland. They need to move up a gear this year, however, if they are to build on their 11 previous competition wins.

Before the tournament gets underway though, perhaps it is time to head to http://www.pokerstars.co.uk/poker/games/ and win some money to bet on the Six Nations next month?

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Six Nations Preview

Guscott – Johnson didn’t have the CV

Bet123 — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:56:31 +0000

Following the news that Martin Johnson has stepped down from his position as England team manager, former player Jeremy Guscott has said that the former captain was never cut out for the job.

After a poor World Cup campaign, littered with below par performances and off the field problems, Johnson’s position was under review and he has now taking matters into his own hands by stepping down.

Referring to Johnson’s reign, Guscott said: “Johnno didn’t have the CV to do the job but the RFU backed him and he backed himself and unfortunately and regrettably he came up short.”

“The writing on the wall for Johnno was when he selected Steve Borthwick as captain.”

“That was what he thought was the right decision and many others didn’t and for many that was the beginning of the end.”

“There was a brief highlight in beating Australia away from home and thrashing them at Twickenham, that gave us all expectation of what was to come.”

“They won the Six Nations but their performance at the World Cup was abysmal and that was the end.”

Meanwhile, two other former England players have said that Johnson should remain involved with the team in some capacity, especially considering the amount of times he wore a variety of England Rugby Shirts in his illustrious career.

Will Carling tweeted: “Sad for MJ. The man was an awesome player, incredible captain. One of THE greatest England players/servants. Hope there is a role for him.”

Matt Dawson echoed these sentiments, saying: “So who to fill Martin Johnsons shoes? Real shame he’s now not involved. With all the experience gained it’d be primed for 2015.”

There have already been rumours with regards to Johnson’s replacement. Names mentioned include Graham Henry, Nick Mallett and Jim Mallinder, with the latter already confirming his interest in the role.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Guscott – Johnson didn’t have the CV

Cockerill rules himself out of England job

Bet123 — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:14:02 +0000

Leicester Tigers head coach Richard Cockerill has ruled himself out of the running for the England job already, despite former Tigers player and current England head coach Martin Johnson yet to step down or be sacked from his role.

Johnson’s position came under question following a disastrous World Cup campaign which ended in defeat at the quarter final stage against France amidst a wave of controversy surrounding his players off the field antics.

Mike Tindall, Dylan Hartley, Chris Ashton and James Haskell were all in the headlines during the tournament while Jonny Wilkinson and two of Johnson’s backroom staff were given a slap on the risk for attempting to swap balls when the fly-half was lining up attempts at goal, something which is against the rules of the game.

While numerous investigations in to the World Cup debacle continue, Johnson himself has yet to confirm his intention to carry on in the role with his contract almost at an end, although he is a free bet favourite to at least put his hat into the ring, but his former team-mate Cockerill, who has overseen a poor start to the new Aviva Premiership season for the Tigers, insists he has no intentions of going for the job.

When asked by reporters if he would be going for the role he said: “Not interested at all, “I’m two from seven, anyway – I can’t even win a game for my club.”

“And I’m from Leicester. I don’t know if that gets me in or out. They haven’t asked, and I don’t expect them to, and I certainly wouldn’t apply. I’d say that rules me out.” He added.

Cockerill is the latest in a long line to distance himself from the job, with British and Irish Lions coach Sir Ian McGeechan, Conor O’Shea and Jim Mallinder all taking themselves out of the running, while there was at least some good news for the RFU as World Cup winning New Zealand coach Graham Henry hinted he would be interested in taking up a development role with England when he steps down from his current role, although free bets suggests he is still in contention for the job.

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Cockerill rules himself out of England job

O’Driscoll: I’m not retiring

Bet123 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:44:21 +0000

Ireland centre Brian O’Driscoll insists he has no plans to retire from international rugby after Ireland tumbled out of the World Cup at the hands of Wales earlier this month. O’Driscoll, who has won 123 caps, captained the side that came undone against Wales at the Quarter Final stage while also wearing the armband in Ireland’s shock victory over Australia in the pool stage, and despite the disappointment of their early exit insists he has no plans to hang up his boots just yet.

“People are very quick to write individuals off. If you still feel fit and up to a certain standard that you have set yourself then why not play on?” the 32-year-old told the Irish Times.

“It is about either the body or the mind giving up. If both of them are working, as far as you are concerned, there is no reason to pay heed to what people are writing in their columns. The decision is left to you.”

The British and Irish Lions player is generally considered, even by those more interested in finding the best casinos, as one of the finest players in the modern game and is the leading try scorer in 6 Nations history, but believes that he can follow the lead of countryman David Humphreys, who played well into his thirties at the highest level.

“David Humphreys played until he was 36 and at a similar standard to where he was at in his early 20s. Part of it is about proving your critics wrong,” O’Driscoll commented.

“That your time isn’t up. When I was written off before I managed to do that and if I am written off again I will try my best to come back if I feel I still have it in me.

“In five, 10 years time after your career anyone under 15 doesn’t have a clue who you are. That’s the reality of it. A new generation comes through that has heard your name maybe but that’s it.

“Golden generation stuff is great and all but it is not golden generation to the sub 15-year-olds.”

O’Driscoll admits that he has thought about life after rugby when the time does come to step away from playing, and believes his future does lay in the sport, and refused to rule out following the likes of Martin Johnson from the pitch to the head coach’s seat.

“Rugby is going to be a big component in my life in the future in some shape or form. Whether it be as a supporter or involved in the Irupa committee or whatever branches you could find yourself involved in.” he explained.

“Never say never (about coaching). I don’t know. It is a difficult one to see. It is not something that is causing me sleepless nights at the moment. It is something that I will fall into if it is meant to be.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

O’Driscoll: I’m not retiring

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RFU chief backs Johnson

Bet123 — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 09:26:59 +0000

Acting RFU chief executive Martyn Thomas has backed England head coach Martin Johnson to keep his job after a disastrous World Cup campaign that ended with defeat at the hands of France in the Quarter Finals.

England were dogged by off the field incidents during the tournament, and courted media coverage following a drunken night out in Queenstown and a complaint from a hotel staff member against James Haskell, Chris Ashton and Dylan Hartley, who were accused of inappropriate behaviour and subsequently reprimanded by Johnson.

Johnson’s contract with the RFU is up at the end of the year and has yet to even declare an interest in continuing on with the job, but Thomas believes the criticism that the 2003 World Cup winning captain who hung up his Rugby Boots soon after has come in for unfair and that he could still carry on in the role.

“He was never ever set a deadline (in declaring an interest in the job), it was merely an informal situation, as and when you’ve made a decision as to whether you wish to carry on or not, let us know,” Thomas told Radio Five Live.

“I’ve not actually spoken to him since he left New Zealand but I have left him a message on his phone.

“He’s had a torrid World Cup, a lot of it not of his making. I’ve always expressed confidence in Martin. I believed he was the right appointment. I accept the fact he didn’t have the coaching experience, but it was about getting a man in who could manage the process, who understood the process and would appoint the right coaches. I will wait and see what the review says. That’s my position.” He added.

Thomas is leading a review of England’s disastrous World Cup campaign along with numerous other investigations into what went wrong in New Zealand. Since England’s exit after defeat against France calls have been made for the return of Clive Woodward, who guided England to glory in 2003, but Thomas insists he has made no contact with Woodward over the possibility of taking up the role.

“The media have said I wanted to bring Clive Woodward back to Twickenham.” He commented.

“That is not my position, and it has never been my position. What I have said is that we should openly advertise and we should interview people. If at the end of the interview process Clive Woodward is the right man because he ticks the boxes for the interview panel, they believe him the right man, then he should be appointed.

“If that panel interviews him and decides he’s not the right man he should not be appointed.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

RFU chief backs Johnson

Hook ready to step up

Bet123 — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 19:12:43 +0000

James Hook has made it more than clear that he is ready to step back into the starting line-up this weekend, with Rhys Priestland struggling to recover from a shoulder injury. Hook had been forced to watch the majority of Wales’ famous victory against Ireland last weekend from the bench after returning to action following his own shoulder injury, although is now back fully fit and raring to get his hands on that highly sought after number 10 jersey against the French.

The form of Priestland so far in this tournament had seen both Hook and Stephen Jones forced to sit and wait for their chance. Warren Gatland will give the youngster every chance to prove his fitness in time for Saturday’s match, but will be well aware of the quality options available to him should the Scarlets’ stand-off miss out. Those looking at the Rugby World Cup betting should remember how much depth the Wales squad has in that position.

Hook has once again been a victim of his own versatility so far in this tournament, playing mostly at full-back with Priestland at 10, the youngster continuing to impress and keep his place. Hook has admitted the form of Priestland has made it hard for him to be dropped, revealing the younger players in the squad had all forced the senior players to up their game. Those following the rugby betting will know how impressive the side has been during the World Cup.

The French-bound back made no secret of his desire to be involved against France this weekend, admitting it had been tough for him to watch his team-mates from the bench against Ireland, only getting on for a couple of minutes before the final whistle.

“I would be there if needed and selected. It was really difficult (watching on Saturday), but you get caught in the emotion on the bench and get behind the boys.”

“Rhys has taken his chance superbly, and he fully deserves the credit he has been having. The young players spur you on with the energy they bring in training and off the field. The older boys are feeding off that, which is good and healthy for the team.”

Originally written by Bet123.net, an online Betting Guide

Hook ready to step up