September is just around the corner, and for die-hard dyed-in-wool rugby fans, this means the much awaited centre piece event happening once every four years is about to unfold. Pundits and bettors itching to book their bets for opening day matches are counting the days till the 2015 Rugby World Cup opens. The excitement is undeniable, and proof of which is how tickets are selling like hotcakes, and there are still weeks left before the event commences.
Several news sources revealed that opening day tickets are almost sold out – a good 90% already paid for by eager fans ready to storm the venue. But sticking out like a sore thumb is the absence of a similar patronage to other teams. Similar news sources noted that tickets for matches involving teams like New Zealand, Ireland, Australia, Wales and France are not receiving the same mass appeal. Hmmm, I wonder why?
1. Host England’s matches are expected to be sold out because, well, they’re the host nation. I haven’t watched a global sporting event wherein the host nation failed in wooing home fans to pay for the stands.
2. English fans are excited because of the drop in quality in English rugby in the recent years and they are banking on a strong show of support to help propel the team back to the final match, and hopefully, win a championship. The 2003 victory was succeeded by a runner up finish in 2007. In 2011, France ousted England in the quarterfinals, which brings me to my next point…
3. Considering the role of France in England’s 2011 failed bid, it should come as no surprise that English fans are not too keen on watching a French match, especially since France and England aren’t meeting in pool action. Also, Ireland and Canada still lack the oomph to draw a sell-out crowd, so I hope that an excellent showing in their curtain raiser could draw fans as well as bettors in the succeeding matches for these teams.
Bet on the 2015 Rugby World Cup now with the best rugby odds available at SBOBET.com, the only place in online betting where one wallet means endless possibilities and never-ending fun.
