Rugby World Cup: fully-fit Wales in at 10/11 to make final
Published:Wales’ brilliant run to the World Cup semi finals has seen them installed as 10/11 joint favourites with France to make the final in New Zealand.
Warren Gatland’s men were excellent in their 22-10 win against Ireland on Saturday and are looking in great shape.
Wales once again head into the game in the increasingly usual position of having a fully-fit squad to choose from.
Their injury worries have eased over the past 24 hours with Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris both expected to recover from shoulder injuries.
Fly-half Priestland was excellent against the Irish but was taken off with just minutes to go, while second row Charteris was removed at the break.
They now look like comfortably recovering in time for Saturday’s clash and France coach Marc Lievremont knows his side face a tough battle to make it to their third Rugby World Cup final.
Speaking to the BBC, he said: “I’ve seen all the Welsh games and they are in great form.
“They play great rugby – more complete than England – and the way they controlled Ireland was impressive.
“Essentially, they are playing the same type of rugby as three years ago when they won the Grand Slam.
“They have mobile forwards and their backs have a great understanding.”
Despite some stuttering performances so far in this World Cup – including a 14-19 defeat to Tonga – France can be backed at 6/1 to win their first Rugby World Cup.
