G’day punters! I’m a seasoned veteran in the sports betting game, and I’ve been asked to give you rookie bettors a rundown on the biggest day in the rugby calendar – the 2024 Rugby World Cup final. If you’re just starting to dip your toes into wagering on rugby, this is the marquee event you need to circle on your calendars.
Mark This Date – 28th October 2024
Right, let’s get the vitals out of the way first. The 2024 Rugby World Cup final will be played on Saturday, 28th October 2024 at the Stade de France stadium in Saint-Denis, just outside Paris. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm local time in France (6pm South African time).
The Stade de France is an iconic rugby cathedral, with a capacity of over 80,000 baying fans. It’s hosted two previous World Cup finals in 1999 and 2007 when our beloved Springboks famously stuck it to the Poms. There’s no grander stage for rugby’s ultimate prize.
The Road to the Final
Now for a quick refresher on how teams book their place in the big dance. A total of 20 nations will be split into four pools for the opening stage starting 8th September 2024. The pool winners and runners-up (8 teams) then progress to the knockout quarter-finals from 12th October.
From there, it’s win or go home every week through the semis on the 19th and 26th. That leaves just two gladiators standing to clash in the final at the Stade de France on the 28th. Simple stuff, but a bloody tough road getting that far!
Our Green and Gold Hopes
As a proud Saffer, all my focus will be on the Springboks and whether they can add a fourth World Cup trophy to the cabinet. As defending champs from 2019, they’ll surely rate amongst the frontrunners again.
The Boks have a storied World Cup pedigree, reigning supreme in 1995 at home, 2007 in France, and that epic triumph four years ago in Japan. But deux ans is a long time in world rugby – plenty can change between now and then.
Potential Hurdles
While the hosts France will be fancying their chances, you can never rule out the All Blacks from across the ditch. And leading European nations like England, Ireland and Wales are always dangerous floaters.
That’s the beauty of the World Cup though – anyone can get on a roll and defy the odds over seven weeks. It makes for captivating viewing and incredible betting opportunities if you can spot the upsets brewing!
The Big Dance Approaches
So there you have it rookie punters – get the date 28th October 2024 ingrained in your brains now. As we get closer, I’ll be analyzing the outright winner markets, matchup odds for the final, and any juicy promos the bookies dangle our way.
Make sure to tune into my tips as the tournament unravels. Watching the World Cup final is already an epic occasion. But getting a cheekybettor down with your mates and seeing those wins roll in makes it even sweeter!