England vs Samoa Prediction, Odds & Picks

England may not be considered one of main favorites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup at the Stade de France in three weeks’ time, but they have done what they needed to do thus far at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Tomorrow, they will look to wrap up Pool A play with four consecutive wins as they take on Samoa (11:45 am ET, CNBC/Peacock).

With wins over Argentina, Japan (bonus point), and Chile (bonus point), England have already done enough to wrap up top spot in Pool A, with the winner of Sunday’s Japan vs Argentina matchup joining them in the quarterfinals.

This match doesn’t have the importance of that match, today’s France vs Italy showdown in Lyon, or tomorrow’s Ireland vs Scotland game at the Stade de France, but England have named a very strong starting XV and will want to close out pool play with a solid performance against a tough opponent.

England vs Samoa Odds

Odds are via MyBookie.

Spread

• England -21.5 (-111)
• Samoa +21.5 (-125)

Moneyline

Over/Under

• Over 52.5 (-120)
• Under 52.5 (-113)

Will England Start Slow and Finish Strong Again?

While England could end up with the highest number of points for any pool winner, depending on what Ireland do against Scotland and how Wales fare in their Pool C finale against Georgia, they still aren’t considered on the same level as tournament favorites France, South Africa, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Odds to Win the 2023 Rugby World Cup

• South Africa +300
• Ireland +310
• France +340
• New Zealand +350
• England +1075
• Wales +2100
• Argentina +3900
• Fiji +3900

Two of those four teams won’t make the semifinals, while England will likely be favored against Fiji in the quarters, even if by only a small margin.

But the draw is what the draw is, and all you can do is beat the teams in front of you. England have done that, and they have done so without the level of stress that France, Ireland, and Wales, the other likely pool winners, have.

If there is one point of potential concern for their match in Marseille in eight days, it is that they have started slowly in every game so far.

2023 Rugby World Cup Stage of Elimination Odds for England

• Semis: -121
• Quarters: +199
• Runner-Up: +600

The second half has been the highest-scoring half in each of England’s three pool games, and of the 132 points they have scored, only 11 have come in the first 20 minutes.

• Argentina: 11th-minute penalty by George Ford
• Japan: fourth-minute penalty by Ford
• Chile: 20th-minute try by Henry Arundell

Neither Argentina nor Japan were able to build on early leads, but England could find themselves in a tough spot if they are slow out of the gate against Fiji, who beat them 30-22 in their final Rugby World Cup tune-up and have been rather stingy in the late stages of games this year.

With that in mind, a strong start against Samoa would do England a world of good, even if they are just ticking the scoreboard over with the boot. For what it’s worth, Samoa have allowed a try in the first 20 minutes in each of their games.

England vs Samoa Prediction and Picks

Prediction: England to win

Picks: England -21.5 (-111 at MyBookie) & second half to be the highest-scoring half (-147 at MyBookie)

Samoa are mathematically still in the race for the quarters, but they need a near-miracle to pull it off. That miracle isn’t happening, but I expect them to give their all as they have in their first three games.

At the same time, I expect England to come out with intent and put in a strong performance. The second half will once again see a lot of action, but the balance of it will go England’s way as they complete an undefeated run through pool play.

Where to Bet on the 2023 Rugby World Cup

While rugby may not be one of the most widely watched or bet on sports in the United States, the Rugby World Cup always draws a lot of attention.

In fact, you can find 2023 Rugby World Cup odds at many of the top sports betting sites available to bettors in the USA.

Here are some of the online sportsbooks that we recommend which offer odds on each game in the tournament, as well as Rugby World Cup winner futures odds:

If you don’t have an account at a book on this list, check out our in-depth reviews to help you determine if it is worth your interest and your betting funds. Happy betting, and please bet responsibly.