England a good bet to win World Cup despite All Blacks whitewash
Published:England may have been overrun by a superior New Zealand side in the third Test, but even though the tourists suffered a 3-0 series defeat in the All-Blacks backyard, there was plenty of reasons for punters to be optimistic about the Red Rose’s World Cup chances next year.
As it stands, this seemingly unstoppable All Blacks unit – who moved onto a record-equalling 17 consecutive Test-match victories by defeating England 36-13 in Hamilton – are rightly installed as the 6/4 favourites to retain their World title in 2015.
England are next in the betting at 7/2, level with South Africa, as they hope to emulate the Springbok’s 1995 triumph on home soil and the Kiwis’ last time around.
The bruising loss in Hamilton was not indicative of the two games which preceded it, especially the opener in Auckland where an under-strength England were only denied a famous draw by a last-gasp Conrad Smith try.
Importantly, Stuart Lancaster was able to assess all his options against the planet’s finest team over the three games.
As the England coach starts to shape a plan ahead of the World Cup both in the pack and the backs, there were plenty who impressed.
Not least there was an exciting Eden Park cameo for recalled fly-half Danny Cipriani, while London Irish winger
Marland Yarde has two tries to show for his efforts and Leicester lock Geoff Parling also shone before injury struck.
Had it not been for overconfidence when coming out after the break deservedly ahead in Dunedin, where the tourist’s were punished in a 20-minute scoring assault, then Lancaster’s men could have easily gained more than the narrow 28-27 defeat.
Remember the last team to beat New Zealand? Of course you do, it was England at Twickenham back in December 2012, when they defeated them 38-21.
What a final a repeat of that fixture would make.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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