England's first-round victory over Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup was impressive, with a brace of tries from both Dominic Young and Elliott Whitehead. It boosted the host nation's chances of making the final (+100) or even lifting the Paul Barrière Trophy (+800) for the first time, having only ever won the tournament as part of Great Britain.
The market backs England to run out comfortable winners (-10000) over France (+5000), with potential for another big England victory; a win by 39+ points (-108) is fancied.
Australia remains tournament favourite at –175 after backing up its pre-tournament credentials with an easy 42-8 win over Fiji. Josh Addo-Carr scored twice for the Kangaroos.
Whilst Australia should have no problems (-20000) overwhelming Scotland (+6000), handicap bets could be of interest; the markets still expect the Aussies to win even with a handicap of -60 (-110), but Scotland (-110) made the quarterfinals in the last World Cup held in England and could have the ability to somewhat limit the Aussie storm.
Italy produced a surprise victory over Scotland in their first-round game, with Jake Maizen scoring a hat-trick of tries, but the market still thinks a victory (+400) in their second match against Fiji (-700) is highly unlikely. If they do win, however, it would put them in prime position to reach a shock quarter-final (+550).
Jamaica lost to an impressive Ireland side in their first match, and with New Zealand next up things aren't about to get any easier for the World Cup debutants. New Zealand defeated Lebanon in their first game and are heavy favourites (-10000) to beat the Jamaicans (+10000). The markets see the Kiwi side emerging as winners by at least 70.5 points (-108).
Ireland (-150) face Lebanon (+110) in what will surely prove a straight shootout for Group C's second place and a spot in the quarter-finals, a feat the market reckons Ireland (-250) have a better chance of achieving than Lebanon (+170).
It's expected to be a close match, with Lebanon's odds improving (-110) with a +2 handicap.
The final games see Tonga (-4100) as huge favourites against Wales (+4000) while Papa New Guinea (-450) should beat the Cook Islands (+650).
