Women's Rugby World Cup Odds & Analysis

The women's Rugby World Cup starts in New Zealand this weekend. The tournament was last played in Ireland back in 2017. It was brought forward by a year due to the Sevens World cup that took place in San Francisco in 2018. New Zealander's couldn't host the tournament last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

England are the favourites to win the World Cup. New Zealand have won five of the last six World Cups. England have been runners-up to New Zealander five years ago. They have also won the Six Nations Championship and are currently on a 22-game winning streak in test rugby. France will provide a stern test of their resolve in the pool stages.

Glenn Moore resigned earlier this year and was replaced by former All Blacks assistant coach Steve Smith. Smith has won all six of the games he has been in charge of to date, including three wins over Australia. The Black Ferns are second favourites for the World Cup.

France are the most likely team to upset the apple cart. France have won the Six Nations in 2014, 2016 and 2018. They have finished third in the World Cup on six occasions.

Canada are the first-time finalists in 2014. They play their opening match against Japan in Whangārei on Saturday. Canada's final game in Pool B will be a derby against USA. USA won the 2017 World Cup. The Eagles are set to host the 2033 finals. They are also in a pool that also features Six Nations side Italy. Many of their players play in the English Premiership.

Australia are 50/1 to win the women's rugby world cup. They are in the same pool as New Zealand. Australia had only played six times since losing to Canada in a fifth-place play-off at the 2017 World Cup.

Fiji are rated as the outsider to win the World Cup. William Hill offers odds of 250/1 on Italy to be the surprise winner. Wales, Japan, South Africa and Scotland are also considered outsiders.