Rugby World Cup 2019: best odds and tips

The Rugby World Cup gets underway on Friday in the Ajinomoto Stadium in Tokyo. It's taking place in Asia for the first time. New Zealand are the pre-tournament favourites. South Africa's recent form could put a spanner in their plans. Over a million fans will go to Japan for this tournament. Racing Post Sport has given you tips on how to bet on the tournament and get the best odds.

A side from the Southern Hemisphere has contested every final. England's victory in 2003 is the only Northern Hemisphere success to date. Every World Cup winner has had a 100-per-cent record in their group.

A team from the Southern Hemisphere has contested every World Cup final. England's victory in 2003 is the only Northern Hemisphere success to date.

Japan shocked South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Italy and Namibia have already beaten each other twice. Argentina have suffered eight defeats to tier-two nations. Canada have also beaten Italy twice and France have two defeats against Tonga. Ireland are looking to pounce on a team with a poor World cup record.

Owen Farrell is the top scorer at the Rugby World Cup 2019. Former England international Tom May believes England are in a good place. Billy Vunipola, Manu Tuilagi and Jack Nowell are all fit.

The All Blacks are favourites to win the Rugby World Cup. They have a good chance thanks to their form and mental strength. South Africa's odds have collapsed in the build up to the tournament. The All Black's group game against South African looks like a dress rehearsal for the final.

Johnny Sexton is the favourite to be the top point scorer at the Rugby World Cup. Japan are the second favourite, while South Africa's Handrè Pollard and Beauden Barrett are not. The number of yellow cards at Rugby Rugby Cups has risen from 18 in 2011 to 53 in 2015.

Wales beat Australia in the autumn international. Australia will be fresher and better prepared this time. Fiji will also be eager to take a scalp.

England and France are in the same pool at the Rugby World Cup. England have the easier fixtures against Tonga and the US inside the first week. France looked good in their summer warm-ups. Namibia are ranked one place below Canada but have wins over Uruguay and Russia this year. Jordie Barrett is the odds-on favourite to be the tournament's top try scorer.