Jonathan Sexton kicks the ball out during the Pool C match - Ireland v Russia

With three wins from three, Ireland are now 8/11 with Ladbrokes to go further than ever before and reach the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup.  As they head into their final pool match against Italy Ireland are the 1/8 favourites to top Pool C ahead of Australia at 9/2.

Following a brace from Keith Earls against Russia, the Munster man is now in close contention to be Ireland’s top try scorer for the tournament at 2/1, just behind Tommy Bowe at 6/5.

Hayley O’Connor of Ladbrokes said:
“The odds have come crashing down for Ireland as their momentum in the tournament shows no signs of waning.  We’ve seen a rush of money in the last few days to back Ireland to reach the semi-final which has now been cut to 8/11.  This crop of players have already proved they are history makers and are 11/4 to reach the final in Eden Park.  By that stage we’d be happily  partying along with the punters no matter what the outcome.”

Ireland are 18/1 to win the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks increasing their grip on favouritism as 1/3.

LADBROKES RUGBY WORLD CUP BETTING
To Reach the Semi finals
New Zealand  1/50
Australia  8/11
South Africa  4/5
France  evens
England  10/11
Ireland  8/11
Wales  11/8
Argentina  12/1
Scotland  33/1
Samoa  20/1
Italy  50/1

To Reach the Final
New Zealand  1/3
Australia  9/2
France  11/4
England  9/4
South Africa  9/2
Ireland  11/4
Wales  4/1
Argentina  66/1
Scotland  125/1
Samoa  125/1
Italy  200/1

2011 Rugby World Cup Winner
New Zealand  1/2
Australia  8/1
South Africa  10/1
England  10/1
France  12/1
Ireland  18/1
Wales  25/1
Argentina  200/1
Scotland  1000/1
Samoa  500/1
Italy  2000/1

Ireland’s top try scorer for the tournament
Tommy Bowe (2)  6/5
Keith Earls (2)  2/1
Andrew Trimble (1)  10/1
Sean O’Brien (1)  10/1
Rob Kearney (1)  12/1