Double act: George North scored twice for Wales

IRELAND are out to 33/1 for the Rugby World Cup with Ladbrokes after losing at home to France in their latest warm-up match.

France are now into 12/1 (from 14s) and the shortest of all the Northern Hemisphere teams. England are 14/1 and Wales remain 80/1 despite their entertaining win over Argentina.

New Zealand’s surprise defeat to South Africa in the Tri-Nations hasn’t affected the outright World Cup market however with the All Blacks still the 8/15 favourites for victory on home turf.

The Springboks remain a best priced 9/1 for the World Cup with Ladbrokes.

Spokesman David Williams said: “It looked like a weak All Blacks side so we’re not going overboard with price changes. Ireland fielded a strong side so their inability to beat an experimental French outfit doesn’t bode well right now.”

Ladbrokes – Rugby World Cup betting:

8/15 New Zealand

4/1 Australia

9/1 South Africa

12/1 France

14/1 England

33/1 Ireland

80/1 Wales

150/1 Argentina

200/1 Scotland

500/1 bar