England go into Saturday’s World Cup final as firm favourites to win, but they face South Africa who have an exemplary record at this stage and the only team to ever beat a favourite.
Eddie Jones’s side are odds-on to claim the William Webb Ellis Trophy on Saturday for what would be only the second time in history, following on from victory in 2003 when they beat Australia.
And they come into the final as favourites, having dispatched of – New Zealand, who were firm favourites to take the title – both pre-tournament and ahead of their clash.
| Year | Winners | Final score | Runners-up | Pre-Tournament favourites | Location |
| 1987 | New Zealand | 29–9 | France | New Zealand | Auckland, New Zealand |
| 1991 | Australia | 12–6 | England | New Zealand | London, England |
| 1995 | South Africa | 15–12 (after extra time) | New Zealand | Australia | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| 1999 | Australia | 35–12 | France | New Zealand | Cardiff, Wales |
| 2003 | England | 20–17 (after extra time) | Australia | England | Sydney, Australia |
| 2007 | South Africa | 15–6 | England | South Africa | Paris, France |
| 2011 | New Zealand | 8–7 | France | New Zealand | Auckland, New Zealand |
| 2015 | New Zealand | 34–17 | Australia | New Zealand | London, England |
| 2019 | TBD | – | TBD | New Zealand | Yokohama, Japan |
England have been to the final three times, but only lifted the trophy once, whilst South Africa’s record is somewhat more impressive – indeed the Springboks have a 100% success rate when playing to be world champions.
Indeed the game in Yokohama could be destined for extra time – only twice in history have we seen that happen, but both times it involved England and South Africa.
One bad omen for England could be that only one favourite going into the final has ever lost – that was New Zealand in 1995, when South Africa upset the odds, something they will have to do again this weekend.
OddsMonkey spokesman Peter Watton commented: “England come into the final as the team to beat, they were brilliant against New Zealand and it is little surprise they are now around 8/15 to win.
“Eddie Jones will be aware of the threat being posed by South Africa, whose record in the finals is perfect – but English punters are not having any of it, Bookmakers are reporting huge amounts coming in for England and these odds will only get shorter before kick-off.
“But one set of odds that does appeal, a draw after 80 minutes is 25/1…and the two finals to both need extra time – involved England and South Africa, so that might be something to consider.”
Selected World Cup Final odds:
England 8/15
Draw 25/1
South Africa 21/10
*Odds correct at time of writing
Spokesman Peter Watton is available for further comment or one-on-one interviews on this subject or anything connected with a betting market – for more information please contact [email protected]
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