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RUGBY WORLD CUP

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Bookies react to Australia`s victory

Sunday 01st July 2007

New Zealand: Down but not out

New Zealand are still favourites to win the forthcoming Rugby World Cup, but bookmakers have marginally lengthen the All Blacks' odds following their shock 20-15 Tri-Nations loss to Australia in Melbourne on Saturday.

The men in black were 2/5 on to hoist the spoils, but they are now down to 4/9 favourites. The victorious Wallabies are back in the mix with their odds cut from 12/1 to 9/1.

"This result will give a glimmer of hope to supporters of other nations who have watched the All Blacks appearing to be unbeatable for the past couple of years, and perhaps encourage them to bet against New Zealand at last," a leading bookmaker said.

In terms of the Tri-Nations, New Zealand are still 1/8 favourites with the resurgent Wallabies offered at a fair price at 9/2. South Africa's decision to downsize their campaign sees them ranked as 20/1 outsides.

2007 Rugby World Cup odds:

New Zealand - 4/9 favourites
South Africa - 6/1
France - 9/1
Australia - 9/1
Ireland - 14/1
England - 20/1
Wales - 33/1
Argentina - 40/1
Scotland - 250/1
Italy - 250/1
Samoa - 300/1
Fiji - 500/1
Canada - 500/1
USA - 1000/1
Romania - 1000/1
Japan - 1000/1
Georgia - 1000/1
Tonga - 1000/1
Namibia - 2500/1
Portugal - 2500/1