Sports

Bettors Back Japan, Georgia to Cause Upsets at Rugby World Cup

  • Punter will make 1 million pounds if Scotland goes all the way
  • U.S. is 500/1 just to make quarters; New Zealand is favorite

The Rugby World Cup 2019 Group A game between Japan and Russia at the Tokyo Stadium on Sep. 20.

Photographer: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Rugby Union is rarely a sport given to huge surprises, but that hasn’t stopped gamblers making some wild predictions in the hope of a big payout at the Rugby World Cup, which is being held in Asia for the first time.

Host Japan is traditionally one of the game’s enthusiastic minnows, but after a strong start on Friday against Russia and with a great draw it’s attracting some interesting bets.