Rugby: All Blacks' odds ease but still big favourites

The All Blacks' mixed form so far this season has seen their World Cup rugby odds ease marginally, the TAB betting agency said today.

However, coach Graham Henry's team remain hot favourites with New Zealand fans to reclaim the trophy after a 20-year drought.

The All Blacks are at $1.50 to win the tournament in Europe in September and October.

That compares with the price of $1.40 before their 15-20 loss to Australia in Melbourne last month and their unconvincing 33-6 win over South Africa in Christchurch last weekend.

The Springboks remain the TAB's second favourites for the World Cup at $5.50, followed by Australia at $7.50 and hosts France at $8.00.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks are $1.20 favourites to beat the Wallabies in Auckland on Saturday night and retain both the Tri-Nations crown and the Bledisloe Cup.

Australia are at $4.20 to cause an upset at Eden Park.

- NZPA