Rugby World Cup Pool C: Take Tonga for narrow Namibia win

Tonga and fellow minnows Namibia have met once before back in 1997, and the Pacific Islands outfit won 20-14. A repeat of that margin of victory (1-10 points) is a 5/1 chance with Coral.

While this encounter at Sandy Park, Exeter is widely perceived to be one of the least significant of games at the Rugby World Cup, there’s still money to be made and punters can still profit without the pressure of patriotism for a Home Nation or being worried by an outright bet.

African team Namibia are 11/1 outsiders to beat the team ranked seven spots above them. Tonga, who for what it’s worth are higher than Six Nations competitors Italy at present, start as overwhelming odds-on 1/16 favourites to thump their easiest opponents in Pool C.

The handicap betting is set at 21 points, but with both teams just managing a single try apiece so far, and even adding in successful penalties and conversions, it’s hard to envisage that being par for the course. We advise punters to avoid this market.

One bet that does appeal is Tonga to score first and win, which enhances their outright match win price significantly to 4/11. Better still is the Pacific Islanders to make the first scoring play a penalty at 11/8, which they managed in the Pool C opener that Georgia edged 17-10, though kicker and fly half Kurt Morath has only been named among their replacements this time.