Rugby World Cup 2023 final: All Blacks favoured as betting hype surrounds Will Jordan’s try-scoring

The stage is set for a historic Rugby World Cup final with both the All Blacks and Springboks hoping to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a fourth time.

And while the rugby giants prepare for the ultimate prize in the sport, punters and fans are already making their predictions and bets, with one name on everyone’s lips: Will Jordan.

The dynamic winger has been a standout star of the World Cup, having scored eight tries and drawn level with legendary try-scorers Jonah Lomu, Bryan Habana, and Julian Savea for the most in a single tournament.

“There’s no denying the loyalty of All Blacks fans ahead of the World Cup final and the truly loyal may be rewarded - but Will Jordan fans are already winners two days out from the final,” a TAB press release said.

It has already paid out more than $400,000 in top tournament try-scorer bets placed on Jordan, with his only remaining rival, England’s Henry Arundell, three tries behind.

Some All Blacks supporters have shown unwavering loyalty to their team, and it’s about to pay off in a big way. Punters who placed bets on the All Blacks in the outright winners market, either before or during the tournament, are set for a combined $2 million payday.

The betting markets strongly favour the All Blacks. In the match result option, which covers the outcome after 80 minutes, there’s more than four times the amount of money riding on the All Blacks compared to the Springboks.

In the head-to-head option, determining the winner of the tournament, the weight of money is 2.5 times in favour of an All Blacks win, with their price moving from $1.87 to $1.72 in the match result market and from $1.80 to $1.67 in the head to head market.

“The All Blacks fans have stuck by their team, and it’s evident in the betting markets,” the TAB said.

The final is already a milestone match for New Zealand, marking their fifth appearance in the final. Having convincingly defeated Argentina 44-6 in the semifinals, the All Blacks are on the brink of securing another World Cup title. Facing them are the defending champions, South Africa, who secured their place in the final with a dramatic one-point win over England.

Both teams have faced setbacks in the pool stages, with the All Blacks losing to France and South Africa falling to Ireland, but they have rebounded impressively.

The All Blacks bring a potent attacking game to the final, leading in red-zone efficiency, line-breaks, carries over the gain line, scrum success, and lineout success. Their stats make them the team to beat, and they have truly been a force to reckon with throughout the tournament.

On the other hand, South Africa are known for their defensive prowess, conceding the third-fewest penalties and making the most dominant tackles in the tournament. Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende have been outstanding in this regard, and Franco Mostert’s flawless tackling in the semifinal is a testament to their commitment to defence.

Rugby World Cup kickoff time

In New Zealand time, the match starts at 8am on Sunday, October 29.

Where will the World Cup final be played?

Stade de France, Saint-Denis.

How to follow the Rugby World Cup final?

You can follow the live updates on nzherald.co.nz or listen to commentary: join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio, or catch the ACC on iHeartRadio or Hauraki.

Where to watch Rugby World Cup final

Eden Park will broadcast Sunday’s Rugby World Cup final on its 31x11-metre superscreen.

The home of rugby in New Zealand, Eden Park, is set to transform from a stadium and field into a hub for the Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and South Africa.

Free admission is available for the action through Ticketmaster and fans will have the option of sitting on the field or finding a spot in the stand to watch the game. No chairs are allowed in order to protect the field.

“Eden Park is home to some of the most memorable moments in international rugby history,” Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said.

“In 1987, we hosted the inaugural Rugby World Cup where Sir Michael Jones etched his name in the history books, scoring his debut try as an All Black.

“As well as hosting the 2011 tournament which saw the All Blacks victoriously hold up the Webb Ellis Trophy, I don’t think anyone will ever forget the 2022 World Cup final at Eden Park which saw the Black Ferns take their sixth world title when they defeated England.”

Rugby World Cup bronze final: Who is playing and when?

Argentina will take on England at Stade de France the day before the final, played at 8am on Saturday, October 28 (NZT).

England are paying $1.33 on the TAB to win and Argentina $3.20.

Luke Kirkness is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He previously covered consumer affairs for the Herald and was an assistant news director in the Bay of Plenty. He won Student Journalist of the Year in 2019.