The 2019 Rugby World Cup is approaching quickly and everyone at Bluebird Accountancy is really excited. It was over 15 years ago when England triumphed against Australia, in one of the most exciting finals ever played. To help you get in the spirit of this years’ tournament in Japan, Bluebird Accountancy has created a 2019 World Cup Wallchart for you to download – free of charge.

When does the 2019 Rugby World Cup start?

The first game of the Rugby World Cup is on Friday 20^th September 2019 (11:45 GMT). The fixture will involve the hosts Japan versus Russia.

Who are the favourites to win this years’ tournament?

New Zealand are the favourites to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup, with many companies offering odds of 5/4. England and South Africa are both 9/2 to lift the trophy, whilst Ireland (8/1), Wales (9/1) and Australia (12/1) complete the most fancied six.

Who should you avoid in the office sweepstake?

The Bluebird Accountancy wallchart also includes a cut-off sweepstake so you can have some fun with your friends and colleagues. However, according to bookmakers, you should do your best to avoid Uruguay, Canada, Namibia and Russia. These nations are available at up to 5000/1 to be victorious at the Rugby World Cup – so it’s unlikely you’ll win the sweepstake if you pull one of these out of the hat!

Who are the Bluebird Accountancy Team backing to win?

The Bluebird Accountancy team were asked to share their thoughts on who they are backing to win the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

James Raymond – “It will be a tough World Cup for England but I am backing them all the way, although Wales are ranked number 1 in the world and look good. It would be great to have another Jonny Wilkinson moment in the final! I’m confident”.

Kevin Gardner – “As a rugby man, I am always excited about the rugby world cup and I feel this year has all the ingredients to be a belter! It’s in Japan which is a neutral location and doesn’t give any of the top teams a home advantage. In my humble opinion, I think 4 teams have the best chance to lift the cup.

Wales have just been ranked number 1 in the world. On their day, they can beat anyone and with it being Warren Gatland’s last tournament in charge, they will be determined to finish his reign off on a high.

South Africa have slowing been building a young team over the last few years and their recent draw away to the all blacks will fill them with lots of confidence. If they keep Faf de Klerk fit they will always cause any team problems.

New Zealand have been inconsistent in recent months – losing to Australia in Perth but then beating them convincingly on the return leg. Any team with Barrett on the pitch will always be a big threat.

Then you have the mighty England. Eddie Jones has been building up to this tournament and arrives with an exciting squad full of pace and power. They looked great against Wales at Twickenham the other day but then not so great in the return leg.

All of the above can lift the cup but I also wouldn’t be surprised if Ireland or Australia make a charge. This is why I am so excited!

If I had to put my house on it then I will pick the All Blacks but I don’t, so I am going for England. I feel they can build momentum and confidence throughout the tournament and will peak at the right time”.

Liam Hulse – “With a bit of luck, there is no reason why Eddie Jones’ men can’t make it all the way to the final. England will be avoiding the powerhouses of New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland until the semi-finals. Instead, England will face France and Argentina (who are in questionable form) in the pool stages with the possibility of a hit-or-miss Wales in the quarter-final. These are all games they should come out on top of”.

Paul Barnes – “With New Zealand being such strong favourites for the world cup and deservedly so, it is far too easy to predict a New Zealand victory. Therefore I would like to listen to my heart a little bit rather than just my head. England to shock New Zealand in the semi’s before facing Ireland in the final. By the end of the final, I would like to imagine the trophy will be heading the only place it has ever headed in the northern Hemisphere – England”.