The French made it all the way to the final in the World Cup and they go into the the 2012 Six Nations as the favourites for victory, Paddy Power make Les Bleu the 13/8 favourites to lift the trophy for the fifth time since the tournament was expanded in 2000. The French look like a strong team on paper but they are always a dangerous team to back with any certainty and there has to be value elsewhere. The Welsh had a good World Cup as well and go into the Six Nations high on confidence and aiming to win the tournament, they do have to play France at home which is a plus and they are the close second favourites with Paddy Power.

England left the World Cup in disarray and go into the Six Nations with a new coach and several new players with a few of the more experienced names retired or dropped by interim coach, Stuart Lancaster. At this stage it is impossible to tell how the defending champions will play but they are always dangerous and can be backed at 7/2 with Paddy Power to lift the trophy in 2012. It is shaping up to be a fascinating tournament over the next couple of months and as the latest betting suggests we could be in for one of the closest in recent years with at least four teams capable of winning.

Six Nations Rugby 2012 Betting with Paddy Power

• 13/8 – France
• 11/4 – Wales
• 7/2 – England
• 4/1 – Ireland
• 25/1 – Scotland
• 150/1 – Italy

Grand Slam Betting with Paddy Power

• 4/6 – No Winner
• 4/1 – France
• 15/2 – Wales
• 9/1 – England
• 11/1 – Ireland
• 100/1 – Scotland
• 750/1 – Italy

All markets supplied by Paddy Power.com

The All Blacks have developed a strength in depth which will stand them in good stead as they build towards 2015, star fly-half Dan carter missed most of the 2011 tournament with injury but he if can remain fit he will be the figurehead for them in 2015 which will be a massive boost. It will be a period of rebuilding for New Zealand with Head Coach Graham Henry leaving the role but even taking that into account they are as short as 7/5 with Paddy Power to claim a third World Cup win in 2015 and few would be surprised to see them do just that.

One country that is in need of rebuilding is England, they limply left the 2011 at the Quarter-Final stage in New Zealand but with a World Cup on home soil to look forward to they will be hoping to build towards 2015. There is plenty of young talent in the England squad with the likes of Manu Tulagi, Chris Ashton and Ben Foden all expected to be at their peak in four years which does offer their fans some comfort after a poor 2011 Rugby World Cup tournament. Home advantage should not be ignored though and that explains their current price of 11/2 with Paddy Power to win the World Cup in 2015, that may seem a long way off for England but the RFU will be desperate to put on a good show on home soil and will be aiming high.

Rugby World cup 2015 Odds with Paddy Power

• 7/5 – New Zealand
• 5/1 – Australia
• 11/2 – England
• 6/1 – South Africa
• 9/1 – France
• 9/1 – Wales
• 20/1 – Ireland
• 90/1 – Argentina
• 100/1 – Samoa
• Bar

All prices supplied by Paddy Power.com

England face an out of sorts France in the quarter-finals in a match they will be confident of winning following France’s recent defeat to Tonga. However, despite winning all their Pool games England have yet to fire on all cylinders and have been rocked by a series of off field problems. While England have been handed odds of 13/8 to reach the final, France available at 3/1.

Ireland, who are priced at 10/3 in the W/O New Zealand odds, have had a cracking World Cup so far, winning all their Pool games including a fantastic victory over Australia. Ireland endured a terrible build-up to the tournament but have clearly put that behind them and look like a good bet to reach the last four. However, it will not be straightforward as they will be playing a Wales side who similarly look in good form. Wales, who have odds of 9/2 in the betting, agonisingly lost their opener by one point to South Africa but have since won their three games, with convincing wins over Samoa and Fiji.

In the other two quarter-final clashes Australia take on South Africa in an intriguing match up while hosts New Zealand play Argentina. The most likely outcome in the Name The Finalists betting market is New Zealand v England, which is priced at 11/4 but don’t rule out Ireland at 4/1 to reach the finals and play the hosts.

W/O New Zealand Betting Odds

• 5/2 – England
• 10/3 – Ireland
• 9/2 – Wales
• 5/1 – France
• 7/1 – South Africa
• 7/1 – Australia
• 125/1 – Argentina

To Make Final    

• 4/11 – New Zealand
• 13/8 – England
• 5/2 – Ireland
• 3/1 – France
• 7/2 – Wales
• 9/2 – Australia
• 9/2 – South Africa
• 66/1 – Argentina

England Stage Of Elimination

• 6/4 – Quarter Final
• 5/2 – Semi Final
• 2/1 – Runner Up
• 17/2 – Winner

All odds supplied by William Hill

The current World and European Champions Spain are definitely the team to beat. They boast a 100% record in qualification so far with six wins out of six and with the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Villa in their squad you can see why they are the relatively short 11/4 favourites with Paddy Power to win what would be their third major trophy in a row.

It is by no means a one-horse race. Germany are always in contention in major tournaments, and after narrowly losing to Spain in the Final of Euro 2008 they will be gunning to go a step further and win this time round. Germany have won all eight of their qualification games to date and look in magnificent form heading into next years tournament. They know what it takes to win having been crowned European Champions three times. Joachim Löw’s men can currently be found with odds of 4/1 to add to that impressive collection.

Last year’s beaten World Cup Finalists Holland have been priced at 11/2 to win Euro 2012. The Dutch are in great form at the moment and have won all eight of their qualification games to date, including an 11-0 thrashing of San Marino last Friday.

England edged closer to securing their spot in Ukraine and Poland with a tight 1-0 win against rivals Wales. The English have gained an unwanted reputation of crumbling under the pressure in major tournaments and the players will be deserpate to give us supporters something to cheer about next summer. Fabio Capello’s men are currently available at 8/1 to win their first European Championships. Italy and France, who both had shocking World Cup’s last year, can be found at 11/1 to win Euro 2012. On their day both teams are a match for anybody and will certianly be contenders next year.

If you are looking for an outside bet Russia are available at 28/1 while joint hosts Ukraine can be found with odds of 40/1.

The nine group winners of the qualification groups qualify automatically, as do the best runners-up. They will be joined by the four winners of the play-offs, which are contested by the other eight second-placed teams. The first legs of the play-offs are sceduled to be played on either the 11th or 12th of November with the second legs due to take place on the 15th November.

Euro 2012 Winner Odds – Correct as of 07/09/2011

(Each Way Terms 1/2 places 1,2)

• 11/4 – Spain
• 4/1 – Germany
• 11/2 – Holland
• 8/1 – England
• 11/1 – Italy
• 11/1 – France
• 14/1 – Portugal
• 28/1 – Russia
• 40/1 – Ukraine
• 50/1 – Croatia
• 66/1 – Poland
• 80/1 – Ireland
• 300/1 – Scotland

All odds supplied by Paddy Power

Carter has a remarkable record in International rugby with a conversion rate as good as anyone and with New Zealand expected to go all the way he should have plenty of opportunity to rack up the points, at the moment Dan Carter is as short as 6/4 with Paddy Power to be the top points scorer at the tournament. Carter is justifiably the favourite but he will need to remain fit and healthy which could leave the door open for one or two of the other big name players in New Zealand, the next one to consider is the brilliant Morne Steyn of South Africa who has built a fine reputation over the past three or four years. Steyn is considered the best goal kicker in the world and while his South African team have not been in great form they cannot be ignored, Steyn is available at 4/1 with Paddy Power to be the top points scorer during the World Cup.

We cannot talk about a top points scorer market in rugby without mentioning Jonny Wilkinson who is about to play in his fourth and final tournament, the England fly-half has been in fine form in the warm up games and his experience is and reliability in front of goal is likely to see Martin Johnson pick him over the younger Toby Flood. Wilkinson is a true legend of the game having led England to glory in 2003 and then the final four years ago, Wilkinson is as good as anyone out there in front of the posts and he could be the value in this market at 10/1 with Paddy Power.com. Wilkinson has more points in Rugby World Cup’s than any other player which is a record worth considering before having a bet here while he also holds the record for the most penalties and most drop-goals in World Cup rugby, he is sure to add to that tally in New Zealand and could push Dan Carter close in this market.

Rugby World Cup 2011 Top Points Scorer Betting with Paddy Power

• 6/4 – Dan Carter
• 4/1 – Morne Steyn
• 13/2 – James O’Connor
• 9/1 – Quade Cooper
• 9/1 – Dmitri Yachvili
• 10/1 – Jonny Wilkinson
• 16/1 – Jonathan Sexton
• 22/1 – Morgan Parra
• 25/1 – James Hook
• Bar

All markets supplied by Paddy Power.com

New Zealand are looking as powerful as ever at the moment but they will be under a tremendous amount of pressure with the home fans and media alike expecting them to blow through the tournament, that in itself may offer the other teams a chance of catching them on a cold day. The All Blacks have swept aside rivals Australia in the Tri Nations but the Aussies remain the second favourites for the Rugby World Cup, they are unlikely to play New Zealand until the final and that is the reason for their 7/2 quote from Bet365 about them winning the tournament. The Australians have a great record in World cups but they have consistently come up short against their nearest rivals over the past few years and their chances will rely on the progress of the All Blacks.

There might be a bit of value to be found with the northern Hemisphere teams with England or France the most likely of them to crash the party in New Zealand. They are two teams that on their day are capable of beating anyone and England in particular do have a formidable record in the Rugby World Cup recently, they of course were the winners in Australia in 2003 before going all the way to the final in France in 2007 before losing to South Africa. England will need to win their pool in New Zealand if they are to have a good run and if they do they could go all the way to the final, with that in mind their price of 10/1 with Bet365 to win the tournament could warrant a closer look from punters. It does have to be said though that New Zealand are the clear and hot favourites to win the tournament this year leaving the other teams hoping for a slip up from the formidable looking All Blacks.

2011 Rugby World Cup Win Odds with Bet365

• 8/13 – New Zealand
• 7/2 – Australia
• 7/1 – South Africa
• 10/1 – England
• 14/1 – France
• 28/1 – Ireland
• 66/1 – Wales
• 125/1 – Argentina
• Bar

All markets supplied by Bet365.com

Germany are the hosts, holders and odds-on favourites for the tournament and with the last two World Cups and seven European Championships to their name they are certainly the team to beat. As expected the Germans got off to a winning start on Sunday after they beat Canada 2-1, courtesy of goals from Kerstin Garefrekes and Celia Okoyino Da Mbabi, with Christine Sinclair scoring a spectacular free-kick for Canada.

With odds of 9/2 with Bet365 Brazil are the second favourites in the betting. The Brazilians have surprisingly never won the Women’s World Cup but they will be eager to create a new slice of history and come away from Germany victorious this time round. They have in their ranks the five-time defending FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, Marta, and are likely to avoid the fellow big guns Germany and the USA until the final.

The USA come into the tournament as the number one side in the world and third favourites at 6/1. However, they struggled to qualify for the tournament, needing to win a two-match playoff against Italy, and have suffered surprise defeats to Mexico, Sweden and England over the last 12 months. The USA have already won two World Cups (1991 and 1999) and have never finished below third place, and with a relatively easy group which includes North Korea, Columbia and Sweden, they have an excellent chance of winning their third World Cup.

Other teams to keep an eye on include Canada and England, who both have the talent and determination to spring an upset. Canada come into the World Cup fresh off the back of winning the CONCACAF last year, which will have filled them with confidence. Canada have been drawn in arguably the most difficult qualifying group which features Germany, France and Nigeria, and must be on top form if they are to progress through to the quarter-finals.

England are available at 25/1 outsiders to win the 2011 Women’s World Cup. England have a number of good players in their ranks, including veteran striker Kelly Smith, Fara Williams and Rachel Yankey. Hope Powell’s team know they can beat the best teams in the world following their confidence boosting win against the USA earlier this year and after an impressive qualifying campaign they will be looking to make an impact in Germany.

England have been drawn with Japan, Mexico and New Zealand in Group B. Their first game is against Mexico tonight at 5pm in Wolfsburg, and Bet365 have England as the clear 4/9 favourites to win, while Mexico are priced at 6/1 and a draw is at 10/3. Mexico upset the USA in qualifying and will definitely be a tough opening fixture. England will also have to do battle with the group favourites Japan, who are currently ranked fourth in the FIFA women’s world rankings. New Zealand aren’t expected to pose much of a threat, and have suffered heavy defeats to both Netherlands and fellow Group B competitors Mexico in recent times.

England’s Group B matches:

Monday 27^th June: v Mexico (Wolfsburg, 5pm).
July 1: v New Zealand (Dresden, 5.15pm).
July 5: v Japan (Augsburg, 5.15pm)

Women’s World Cup Outright Odds

• 8/11 – Germany
• 9/2 – Brazil
• 6/1 – USA
• 16/1 – Sweden
• 22/1 – France
• 25/1 – England
• 33/1 – Norway
• 33/1 – Canada
• 40/1 – Japan
• 40/1 – North Korea
• 100/1 – Australia
• 100/1 – Mexico
• 200/1 – New Zealand
• 200/1 – Colombia
• 250/1 – Nigeria
• 500/1 – Equatorial Guinea

Group B Outright Odds

• 10/11 – Japan
• 11/8 – England
• 10/1 – Mexico
• 14/1 – New Zealand

Group C Outright Odds

• 8/13 – USA
• 15/8 – Sweden
• 15/2 – Korea DPR
• 50/1 – Columbia

Group D Outright Odds

• 2/5 – Brazil
• 23/10 – Norway
• 12/1 – Australia
• 80/1 – Equatoria Guinea

All odds supplied by Bet365

England will be relatively pleased with their draw having avoided the Southern hemisphere teams. Martin Johnson’s men have been placed in Pool B alongside Argentina, Scotland, Georgia and Romania, which shouldn’t cause them too many problems. Although, Argentina can be a very dangerous side and will be England’s major rivals for a top place finish in the group. England have a decent record in recent World Cup’s having been victorious in 2003 and runners up in 2007. Their memorable win eight years was of course in Australasia but, unlike in that tournament, they are not considered among the favourites this time round. Stan James have given England odds of 11/1 to win the 2011 World Cup, which on their recent World Cup form alone is worth a shot.

The hosts New Zealand are unsurprisingly the odds-on favourites due to their abundance of talent and home advantage. Richie McCaw and co are huge 4/6  favourites to win the trophy but, betting on such short odds may be quite a gamble as the All Blacks are vividly plagued by their reputation of choking on the big stage and have not won the competition since its birth in 1987. Their main rivals will be hoping that the All Blacks once again slip up and crumble, because if the home nation do find a way of coping with the immense pressure and expectation, and play anywhere near their peak, then they will win no question.

Australia can currently be found with odds of 9/2 with Stan James. The Wallabies know the conditions well and have a good record in major tournaments. However, if their performances at the 2010 Tri nations is anything to go by – they won just two out of six matches – then they may struggle. Their team may not be as strong as it has been but they still have every opportunity of mounting a  decent challenge, especially considering they have been handed a fairly generous run to the final.

At 6/1 South Africa look like a temping bet as they bid to become the first ever nation to win back-to-back Rugby World Cups. The Springboks had a terrible Tri Nations and a mixed Autumn where they went from the woeful (losing to Scotland) to the majestic (pummelling England). However, on their day – as England found out – South Africa are a resilient outfit that oozes power and class, and they will definitely be one to watch as the tournament reaches the later stages.

The French rugby team are characterised by their unpredictability, you just never know which team is going to show up. Alhough they are yet to get their hands on the Web Ellis trophy, they do have a decent World Cup record; two finals and three semi finals, which will stand them in good stead. They are outsiders at 12/1 but if they can consistently play the high tempo, free flowing rugby they are famed for then they have every chance of going all the way.

Out of the rest of the home nations Ireland have the best chances of causing an upset at 20/1, while Wales are available at 50/1 and Scotland with long odds of 200/1.

Rugby World Cup Winner Betting Odds

• New Zealand – 4/6
• Australia – 9/2
• South Africa – 6/1
• England – 11/1
• France – 12/1
• Ireland – 20/1
• Wales – 50/1
• Argentina – 125/1
• Scotland – 200/1
• Samoa – 500/1
• Fiji – 1000/1
• Italy – 1000/1
• Tonga – 1000/1
• Japan – 2000/1
• Romania – 2000/1
• Canada – 2500/1
• Usa – 2500/1
• Namibia – 5000/1
• Georgia – 5000/1

All odds are supplied by Stan James

With the new Indian Premier League season kicking off a couple of weeks ago why not make the most of this fantastic offer and have a cheeky bet on one of the upcoming games. Sachin Tendulkar and Paul Valthaty are currently the Top Batsman in the IPL with 201 runs a piece.

Alternatively you could look ahead to this summer’s Test Matches in which England are taking on Sri Lanka and India in two potentially pulsating encounters. After a stunning Ashes showing Alastair Cook will be looking to send Sri Lanka and India for six, whilst captain Andrew Strauss will also want to be firing on all cylinders this summer. Kevin Pietersen should been fit in time for England’s first Test Match against Sri Lanka and he’ll be gunning for runs following a lenghtly spell on the sidelines.

Key Upcoming Cricket Matches:

• IPL: Mumbai Indians v Pune Warriors – 20^th April
• ODI: West India v Pakistan – 23^rd April
• 1^st Test Match: England v Sri Lanka – 26^th May
• ODI: England v Sri Lanka – 1^st July
• 1^st Test Match: England v India – 21^st July

Click here for your free £25 bet with Stan James

Capello is expected to make numerous changes to the side that effortlessly defeated Wales at the weekend, with big name players such as Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard all returning to their clubs. Yesterday Capello confirmed that the Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry will be captaining the side having let John Terry return to Chelsea.

Welbeck has been in fine form for the Black Cats this season, forming a decent partnership with the Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan. Welbeck’s old Sunderland team mate Darren Bent – fresh from his goal against Wales – is amonsgt the favourites to score the first goal of the game at 5/1 with Stan James, with Liverpool’s £35m man Andy Carroll also priced at 5/1 to score first.

For those of you wanting to back England’s second team to win tonight at Wembley can do so at odds of 8/11 with Stan James. A draw is available at 13/5, whilst Ghana are 4/1 to become the first African side to win on English soil. The match is live on ITV at 8pm.

England v Ghana Specials with Stan James :

• 40/1 – Danny Welbeck to score a hat-trick
• 15/2 – Asamoah Gyan to score first
• 46/1 – Danny Welbeck to score first and England to win 3-0

Click here to recieve your free £25 bet with Stan James