RUGBY BETTING

Betting on rugby, both Union and League, has become increasingly popular with punters in recent years. There is a vast range of rugby betting opportunities available, on numerous events and markets. The following seeks to provide guidelines to profitable betting on both Rugby Union and Rugby League.

TYPES OF RUGBY BETTING

Betting on Rugby Tournaments / Leagues Outright Winner

Bookmakers offer prices on rugby championships, including the World Cup, Six Nations, Guiness Premiership, Carnegie Challenge Cup and Super League. If a tournament or league is particularly competitive, the favourite may be offered at a short price, or the fancied teams will form a short-priced group at the head of the market. This generally leads to win only betting, though some punters like to back the outsiders, each-way, as even the place money can be rewarding.

Rugby Betting on Individual Matches Match Winner

Outright prices on both teams and the draw are offered on each match, prices generally being for 80 minutes play. For particularly one-sided games, only handicap betting (see below) is available.

Handicap Betting In handicap rugby betting, the better team concedes a points start to the lesser side. For example, in the 2008 Super League Final, the handicap betting was: 10/11 St. Helens � 6 points 10/11 Leeds Rhinos + 6 points 14/1 Handicap Tie Backers of St. Helens needed them to win by 7 points or more, while Leeds' backers needed them to win the game outright or lose by 5 points or less. Backers of the tie needed St. Helens to win by exactly 6 points. Many rugby betting punters compile their own handicaps before examining the prices offered by bookmakers. A large difference in the respective opinions represents a value bet. Various bookmakers offer different handicaps on the same game. Punters backing the lesser side will often choose a bigger start at a shorter price, while others, perhaps fancying the underdogs to even win outright, will settle for a smaller handicap at a better price. Many punters prefer to "take the points," in the belief that odds compilers rate favourites too highly. While Outright and Handicap betting are the most common, and profitable, rugby betting markets, layers have introduced many other markets to make rugby betting more interesting for the punter. It should be stressed that success in these bets is particularly difficult and minimum stakes are advised. Some common markets include:

First Score This is an interesting bet on the manner in which the match's first points will be scored and by which side. Prices are offered on penalties, tries and drop kicks. Teams with consistent kickers are well worthy of consideration, especially if the outside half is prone to drop back into the "pocket" and have a tilt at a drop goal, as prices for such are extremely generous (often 50/1 or better). Teams playing open, flowing rugby may be worth an interest in scoring a try first, though penalties are invariably favourite.

First / Last Tryscorer

This bet is popular with punters and involves naming the player to score the first try in the match. Although difficult to predict, this is offset by the generous prices offered, often 10/1 the field or better. Its should be noted that a price is also offered on "no try scorer," so if no tries are scored all first / last tryscorer bets lose.

RUGBY BETTING HINTS Assess Strengths / Weaknesses

The relative strengths and weaknesses in each area of a team need to be carefully considered. For example, the winners of the Guiness Premiership usually concede fewest points rather than scoring most. A knowledge of teams defence and attack capabilities gives a marked advantage in selecting rugby betting winners.

Don't Overestimate Head-to-Head Form

Although past meetings can have an impact on a result, too much is often made of head-to-head results. Current form, say, the last six matches, is far more relevant to the winning chance of each team.

Seek Value

Don't bet on too many matches. Value bets can be hard to find in rugby betting, and value is of paramount importance.

Bet Less on International Matches

Domestic matches take place on a weekly basis, with plenty of current form on which to rely. There is often a long gap between Internationals, so the form available is patchy.