It’s been a topsy-turvy time for those punters who backed France for glory before the competition began. The 8/1 being offered by Stan James about the hosts seemed a value bet, especially considering they were the host nation and had won the Six Nations earlier in the year.

However, defeat in the opening match to Argentina not only exposed supposed frailties in the French team, but also meant that a group runner-up position forced them to play their quarter final match in Cardiff instead of Paris. It was little wonder that Sporting Bet offered 14/1 about Les Bleus, especially with New Zealand looking formidable opponents.

However, with the All Blacks and Aussies on the plane home, Laporte’s men now find themselves 11/8 joint-favourites with bet365, although they can be backed at 13/8 with Stan James. The former were clearly unimpressed by South Africa’s 37-20 victory over Fiji, going best price 13/8 that the Springboks emulate their success of 1995.

Meanwhile, England were as big as 50/1 this time last week, although there’s a growing belief amongst many that they can now retain the Webb Ellis trophy. Brian Ashton’s men are 8/1 (Ladbrokes) for back-to-back successes, while Argentina remain dark horses for the competition and are also 8/1 (bet direct).