World Cup: Putting their money on it

One thing that was impressive about Wednesday's semi-final was the off-field performance of the bookmakers. Not only did they pick the winners of the two semi-finals (not too difficult you might think), but they were spookily accurate about the margin of victory as well.

On Tuesday the "handicap" for New Zealand v France was 39 - ie. they were saying that New Zealand would beat France by 39 points - and the result was that New Zealand won by 38! In the other game the handicap was 19... and England won by 15. Impressive. So how are they calling Sunday's big game?

Well, as far the people who put their money on the line are concerned, New Zealand are clear favourites to win... by 11 points. They also say the New Zealand will be 5 points ahead by half-time. Will they be right? We'll know in about 24 hours time.

In the meanwhile the IRB's "Total Rugby" radio programme is devoted this month to women's rugby and the world cup. Click here to listen or you can download an iPod version.