The men's Rugby League World Cup is entering its final stages, with the semi-finals pitting hosts England against Samoa and Australia against New Zealand for the two places in the showpiece final at Old Trafford in Manchester on December 19.
Samoa (13/5) will be hoping to do better than they did in the 60-6 hiding they received from England in the opening game of the tournament when the two met in Group A, but England (2/5) are still justifiably clear favourites for the showdown on November 12 at the Emirates Stadium in London.
The hosts have so far backed-up pre-tournament tips that they were set for an impressive campaign, and a professional 46-6 win against Papa New Guinea in the quarter finals mean they remain second-favourites to win the tournament in the eyes of the markets (23/5).
However, the Samoans have grown into the tournament since their opening day loss; comprehensive victories against Greece and France preluded a hard fought 20-18 victory over Tonga to reach the nation's first World Cup semi-final. England should still win, but the match is expected to be closer than before – England at -20 on the handicap is a reasonable bet at 15/4.
Australia against New Zealand promises to be the match of the tournament so far. The contest has been anticipated ever since the draw put the two Oceanic nations on the same side of the bracket, with Australia (1/4) the favourites over the Kiwis (4/1) to earn a place in the final.
But it would be foolish to totally write off New Zealand; ranked number one in the International Rugby League World Rankings, they have looked a consummate side throughout the tournament and showed mental fortitude in their fight back against Fiji to win 24-18 in their quarter-final.
Nevertheless, Australia will be more than confident of achieving victory at Elland Road on November 11. On the World Cup stage, they have demonstrated not just an explosive attack, but also a near impenetrable defence which has conceded just 18 points in four games (Australia to win -14 10/11).
Chief amongst the Kangaroos' star-studded attack is Josh Addo-Carr, whose 11 tries in the tournament have put him in pole position to end the tournament as top try scorer (1/5). His main competitor is England winger Dominic Young (5/2) who has crossed two times fewer, but if England win big against Samoa, Young may be able to tip the Aussie in the standings.
The Women's World Cup is also now well under way, with Australia (1/10), New Zealand (8/1) and England (12/1) backing up their pre-tournament credentials in their first two games.
