Rugby World Cup tips and odds

Publish date: 2024-06-18

England have so far battled to wins over Argentina and Japan, but should find life a bit easier against Rugby World Cup debutants Chile today.

The Condors have shown spirit in defeats to Japan and Samoa but fallen off in the second half, eventually losing 42-12 to the Brave Blossoms and 43-10 to the Pacific islanders.

England will expect to be even more clinical than those sides but could take time to click, with Steve Borthwick making 13 changes to the starting XV that beat Japan in Nice last Sunday.

Notable among those is the inclusion of captain Owen Farrell after suspension – and after fellow fly-half George Ford’s excellence with the boot, the skipper will be looking to show he can outshine his colleague by getting the back line firing.

It is worth noting that England have a fortnight off after this match before facing Samoa in their final Pool D outing, so the players will run out knowing that a big performance will give Borthwick and his staff plenty to ponder.

England vs Chile tips

Odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.

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Red Rose to run riot

The conditions have been an issue in both of England’s matches, with the humidity in Marseille and Nice making for a slippery ball against both Argentina and Japan.

However, today’s game is being played about 1,000km north in Lille and the forecast looks far more conducive to running rugby.

It is interesting to note that Chile have scored the first try in both their matches and will look to start fast against the Red Rose.

That enthusiasm will only take them so far, though, and with Borthwick and his staff clearly having targeted this match as the one to rotate in they may have had this team working together for some time and they should eventually find their groove.

England’s attack has been questioned, but with Farrell having a point to prove and having the bonus of being able to interchange with Marcus Smith, who is usually a 10 but selected at full back, the 2003 champions have more options than in their previous games.

Try scoring chances are unlikely to be at a premium and England should have no issue racking up the points.

England vs Chile tip 1: England -50 handicap @ 21/20 with BoyleSports

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Lawrence looking to put down a marker

Ollie Lawrence has appeared off the bench in both of England’s matches and will look to make an impact from the start in Lille.

The 24-year-old endured a rollercoaster 2022-23 season. His contract was terminated when Worcester went into liquidation, but he joined Bath, where his five tries in 12 appearances led to his being named the Premiership Player of the Year in May.

Lawrence was also among the few players to emerge from England’s Six Nations campaign with credit, but has had to bide his time at the World Cup, with Manu Tuilagi and Joe Marchant preferred in the midfield.

With Farrell and scrum half Danny Care often playing with blockbuster inside centres at club level, Lawrence should see plenty of the ball – and his powerful carrying and nifty footwork make him a real candidate to grab a third international try.

England vs Chile tip 2: Ollie Lawrence anytime tryscorer @ 6/5 with BoyleSports

Dan and back three also expected to thrive

It is difficult to see England not scoring plenty of tries and the side have plenty of options, so it is worth bundling some together in a bet builder.

The English rolling maul has been exceptional and a change in personnel is unlikely to lead to a change in tactics. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect hooker Theo Dan to control things at the back before forcing his way over for a score.

Chile’s defence have opened up as their games have gone on and Smith’s presence means he and his two wingers should thrive.

The Harlequins playmaker is unlikely to overhaul Freddie Steward as a starter at full back, but he gives England extra options as both a ball handler and a running threat who is sure to find gaps.

Outside him, wing Max Malins and Henry Arundell may also feel they should have been given more opportunities in the tournament. Both have the pace and nous to merit backing as anytime tryscorers.

England vs Chile tip 3: Bet builder – Theo Dan, Max Malins, Henry Arundell and Marcus Smith all anytime tryscorers @ 7/2 with BoyleSports

England vs Chile odds

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.