Owen Farrell is odds-on with William Hill to start as number 10 in England’s next Rugby World Cup match against Chile.
Available for selection following his suspension, the England skipper is just 1/3 to make a return to the squad as number 10, and looks set to replace George Ford (9/4) in the line-up, while Marcus Smith is a 9/2 chance to start.
England’s odds to win a second World Cup shortened to 10/1 from 16/1 following their Argentina victory but William Hill were less impressed with the win over Japan, so they remain that price to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
William Hill spokesperson, Lee Phelps, said: “There’s been plenty of talk about Owen Farrell’s potential return to the England squad, but at 1/3 to start as number 10 against Chile, we fully expect the England skipper to replace George Ford in the first 15.
“England’s brand of rugby isn’t popular, but it’s been effective in their two games so far and that’s seen their price to lift the Rugby World Cup contract to 10/1, while they are now just 7/2 to reach a fifth World Cup final.”
William Hill – Rugby Union – Rugby World Cup
To Start As England Number 10 Against Chile:
| Owen Farrell | 1/3 |
| George Ford | 9/4 |
| Marcus Smith | 9/2 |
World Cup 2023 – Tournament Winner:
| South Africa | 11/4 |
| France | 11/4 |
| Ireland | 4/1 |
| New Zealand | 4/1 |
| England | 10/1 |
| Australia | 20/1 |
| BAR | 33/1 |
World Cup 2023 – To Reach The Final:
| France | 11/10 |
| South Africa | 6/5 |
| Ireland | 13/8 |
| New Zealand | 7/4 |
| England | 7/2 |
| BAR | 9/1 |
Four England players Steve Borthwich should drop and who should replace them
#1. Jonny May
Express 5/10: “Clumsy late challenge on Lemeki handed Rikiya Matsuda a simple penalty and added to the self-inflicted pressure on England.”
Mail Online 4/10: “Did not touch the ball in the first 40 minutes and conceded a penalty for a late hit that gifted territory to Japan.”
Rugby Pass 4/10: “Not a game for wingers. When is it ever in the Borthwick era? Didn’t feature in the opening half apart from a leap to cover a Japan cross kick that went into touch and then a late clip on a clearing kicker that gave the opposition a scored penalty from where the ball landed. “
The Guardian 5/10: “Didn’t touch the ball in the first half, though gave a needless penalty away, but more involved in second. Is in the side to chase kicks.”
Replacement: Henry Arundell