Rugby World Cup 2023 top tryscorer predictions, specials and betting tips

Betting on the top tryscorer at a Rugby World Cup is always a conundrum, as the contests with most tries tend to be one-sided pool games in which the favourites will invariably rest their big guns.

Four years ago New Zealand backs Rieko Ioane and Sevu Reece topped the betting, but while Reece bagged a brace in an 11-try mauling of Namibia, he sat out the 63-0 win over Canada, which was to be Ioane’s only start.

Plenty of players will be thrilled to take on some of the weakest defences in world rugby, but will they get the chance, or will they be kept back to keep them fresh for more important games which are likely to see fewer scores?

It’s hard to second-guess coaches’ intentions but the teams to focus on can be narrowed down by looking at their pool opponents.

New Zealand are always worth looking at and they topped the charts in 2019 with 36 tries scored – and that was despite the fact their match against Italy was cancelled. Next best were South Africa with 33 tries having played a game more.

Of those 36 tries, 20 came in pool thrashings of Canada and Namibia, and the All Blacks’ pool campaign looks set to be just as one-sided as they face Namibia again plus Uruguay and Italy.

Head coach Ian Foster will pick his strongest team for the opening match with France and then no doubt ring the changes, but with three pool contests to come before the quarter-finals, he will have to give everyone some game time to keep them fresh.

Will Jordan is among the favourites, along with Damien Penaud of France, who face the same pool opponents.

But Jordan could be the one to back given he has started the All Blacks’ last four matches, scoring in two of them, and has featured on the wing and at full-back.

His scoring record leaps off the page – 23 tries in 25 Test matches – and he looks sure to get a crack in at least one of the All Blacks’ matches against tier-two sides.

Jordan’s teammate Mark Telea features highly in the betting and he was joint-top scorer in Super Rugby this year with 13 tries for the Blues.

But another All Black to support could be utility back Jordie Barrett, this time in the points scorer market.

One of three Barrett brothers in the squad, Jordie is less of a first-team regular but his versatility makes him a strong contender to start against the weaker nations.

He lined up on the wing against Canada in 2019, scoring a try, and then at fly-half against Namibia, adding another try and eight conversions.

Jordie featured in wins over Australia and Argentina this year, scoring a try against the Pumas and is worth chancing at a big price.

Players from outside the top-tier teams rarely feature in the tryscoring charts although Kotaro Matsushima of Japan made the places in 2019 as the Brave Blossoms reached the quarter-finals.

Georgia appear to boast that kind of star man in winger Akaki Tabutsadze who looks a generous price at 5-1 to lead the way for the Lelos.

Tabutsadze scored eight tries in the Rugby Europe Championship this year, including a hat-trick against Germany and two against Spain, and while they will face stronger opposition at the World Cup, he is clearly a focal point of Georgia’s attack and has 26 tries in as many Tests.

Georgia’s pool rivals include Portugal, whom they beat 38-11 in the Rugby Europe Championship, with Tabutsadze scoring two of their six tries.

Claim over £400 in free bets for the Rugby World Cup here + full terms and conditions for each bookmaker

Paddy Power free bets

Unlock up to £40 in free bets when you bet this week with Paddy Power.

Place a £10 Sportsbook bet on any Football market, at min. odds 1/2 (1.5) — get £40 in free bet builder bets, valid 30 days. After your qualifying bet has settled, you will automatically be awarded with £10 in Free Bet Builder bets - Plus an additional £10 on each of the following 3 days (£40 in total). Only deposits via Cards will qualify. T&Cs apply.

Ladbrokes free bets

Make the most of your betting experience with Ladbrokes' exclusive offer – stake £5 and receive £20 in free bets.

18+. New UK+IRE customers only. Certain deposit methods and bet types are excluded. Minimum first £5 bet within 14 days of an account registration at minimum odds of 1/2 to get 4 x £5 free bets. Free bets are available to use on selected sportsbook markets only. Free bets are valid for seven days, and the stake is not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.

Coral free bets

Secure a £20 free bet when you place a £5 wager this week with Coral.

18+. New UK & ROI customers only. Minimum deposit £5. Minimum first £5 bet at minimum odds of 1/2 to qualify for 1 x £20 free bet. Certain deposit methods and bet types are excluded. Free bet valid for seven days. Stake not returned. Restrictions + T&Cs apply.

Bet365 free bets

Get in on action this week with bet365's enticing offer – claim a £30 free bet bonus by staking £10.

Minimum deposit requirement. Free bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Minimum odds, bet, and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

William Hill free bets

Don't miss out on William Hill's incredible offer – bet £10 this week and receive £30 in free bets.

Play safe. From 00:01 on 13.04.2022. £30 bonus. New customers only. Minimum £10 stake on odds of 1/2 (1.5) or greater on the sportsbook. Further terms apply. 18+.

Betfair free bets

Place a bet of £5 or more with Betfair this week and receive £20 in free bets.

New customer offer. Place a minimum £5 bet on the Sportsbook on odds of minimum 1/2 (1.5), get £20 in free bets. Rewards valid for 30 days. SMS verification required. Only deposits via cards will qualify. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.

Sky Bet free bets

Calling all Sky Bet newcomers! Bet on ADD EVENT and enjoy £40 in free bets as a reward for joining the platform.

New customers only. First single and each-way bet only, odds of 1/1 or greater. 4 x £10 bet tokens. Free bet stakes not included in returns only redeemable on football accumulator markets. Free bets are non withdrawable. Free bet expiry after 30 days. Eligibility restrictions and further T+Cs apply. 18+. begambleaware.org.

Fafabet free bets

Get 50% of your first day losses back as a free bet with Fafabet.

New 18+ new Customers only. Deposit and bet on any sports with minimum odds of 2.0. Get 50% back of your first day's losses as a free bet up to £50+£20 Casino Bonus. T&Cs apply.

BetGoodwin free bets

Receive 50% of your first day losses back as a free bet with BetGoodwin.

Deposit and have a minimum of three bets of £10 or more on separate events at odds of evens (2.0) or bigger on the first day. 50% of first day losses refunded as a free bet. Max free bet £25. New accounts only.

Remember, gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a problem. Be aware of the risks associated with gambling, and take steps to minimise them. If you need help or advice, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit www.gamstop.co.uk.

CopyBet free bets

Claim £40 in free bets from CopyBet for ADD EVENT

Place a qualifying bet with at least a £10 stake and 1.5 or greater odds. Find 4 free bets worth £10 each in your Profile. Terms & conditions apply. The offer is available only for the company’s new verified clients, who are UK residents. Only use Single bet type. No Cash-Out. The Free bet amount is not available for withdrawal. The payout can not exceed £500. 18+

Kwiff free bets

Bet on ADD EVENT with Kwiff and get £30 in free bets.

New customers & 18+ only. Min. deposit of £10. Qualifying real money bet of £10. Min odds greater than or equal to 1.5 required. E/W bets excluded. Offer awarded immediately but could be issued the next working day in exceptional circumstances such as technical fault. Additional T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.

SBK free bets

Claim £30 in free bets from SBK for ADD EVENT

New UK, IE & Malta customers only. Min £10/€10 first deposit using Debit Card. Place a bet of £10 at min odds of 1.5 and get £10. Further £10 credited after 7 days and a further £10 credited after 14 days. Full T&Cs apply.18+. begambleaware.org.

Spreadex free bets

Spreadex are offering £40 in free bets to get stuck into for ADD EVENT

Place a qualifying £10 fixed odds bet at odds of 1 / 2 or greater. Qualifying bet cannot be placed in-play or cashed out early. Get a £10 free fixed odds bet when the bet is settled and another £10 free fixed odds bet 24 hours later. Get a £5 winning favourites spread bet and a £5 total goals spread bet when your qualifying bet settles. Get a £5 winning favourites spread bet and a £5 total goals spread bet 24 hours later. T&Cs Apply. 18+ begambleaware.org

Betfred free bets

Claim £40 in bonuses from Betfred for ADD EVENT

New 18+ UK customers only. Register using the promo code WELCOME40, deposit and place first bet of £10+ on Sports (cumulative Evens+) within 7 days of registration. First bet must be on Sports. £30 in Free Bets and £10 in Free Spins (50x20p) credited within 10 hours of bet settlement. Free Bet stakes are not included in any returns. Bonuses have a 7-day expiry. Payment restrictions apply. SMS verification and/or Proof of I.D and address may be required. Full T&Cs apply.

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of sport and horseracing.

Graham WoodsRacing Post Sport

Published on 6 September 2023inRugby World Cup

Last updated 18:01, 6 September 2023

Copy

Rugby World Cup 2023 top tryscorer predictions and rugby union betting tips: All Black sensation Jordan the pick to top the charts

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for the 2023 Rugby World Cup which takes place in France

Best bets

Rugby World Cup betting offers: access £400+ in free bets from leading bookmakers

Rugby World Cup top tryscorer preview