Rugby World Cup: Punters picking the Wallabies

Berrick Barnes and Will Genia celebrate Australia's quarter-final win. Photo / Mark Mitchell

There are more than a few rugby punters putting money on the Australians to win next week's semifinal clash.

TAB bookie, Mark Stafford, says odds for all teams have dropped now there's only four in the running.

The All Blacks remain favourite to win the Webb Ellis at $1.57, with the Australian's second on $4.50.

But Mark Stafford says there's been a small flurry of people putting money on the Wallabies this morning following their performance yesterday against South Africa.

"You could argue they were outplayed but they won on the scoreboard so it's the famous 'they won ugly' in what was an incredibly intense game,'' he told Newstalk ZB.

Wales and France are both paying $7 to win the cup.

The TAB also seems to like Aaron Cruden.

Mr Stafford says the general mood was one of shock horror when Colin Slade was injured in the ABs match against Argentina, but then Aaron Cruden came on.

"We tend to feel that he played brilliantly considering he's had no rugby and only been with the team a few days, and the interest I guess is whether he's going to get picked to start, we certainly think they're a stronger side with him starting at 10 now.''

Mr Stafford says it looks like the betting public believes that as well, as some money has been put on the All Blacks to win this morning - although the biggest amount has gone on Australia.

- NEWSTALK ZB