2008 RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINALS LINEUP AND BETTING TIPS

The semi final line up for the 2008 was finalized today after Fiji defeated Ireland 30-12 at the Gold Coast. Fiji would now take on favourites Australia in the second semi finals at the Sydney Football Stadium on Sunday 16th November 2008.This is the best every performance by Fiji at the Rugby League world cup. However, neither the bookmakers nor the experts are giving them any chance against the fancied and unbeaten Australian team. Betfair is offering odds of 15/1 on the prospect of Fiji making it to the final by defeating Australia. Australia, who started the tournament as favourites to reach the finals at 1/12 by Betfair, were being quoted at 1/100 yesterday by Betfair and 1/5000 by Bet365. Today, even those odds are not available.With Australia vs Fiji match already being considered as good as over by the Bookmakers and the analysts, the betting action has got shifted to the results of the first semi finals between England and New Zealand on Saturday, 15th November 2008 at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.In their previous outing on 8th November 2008 at Newcastle, New Zealand had come back from a 16 points deficit to defeat England 36-24. This surely gives the edge to the Kiwis as they meet again in the semi finals. However, there are certain things to be noted which can change the results of this game leading to a victory by England.;1) England were in fact leading by 16 points in the last game against the Kiwis.2) The New Zealand team may miss the services of its centre, Steve Matai due to injury. Even though he was cleared of any major injury, he has still not been confirmed as part of the team for the semi finals.3) England had rested its star players James Roby, James Graham and Leon Pryce from the pool game. All of them are expected to be back at the semi finals.4) England believed that poor refreeing led to its loss and is asking for northern hemisphere referees.Considering the above, England would come out with a better team than their pool game team against New ZealandBetfair has come out with the betting odds for either of the above teams to reach the finals. While New Zealand is being considered the favorite at odds of 5/9, England has been given a 42/41 chance to reach the finals.You can also bet on the final winner at the following best odds.Australia 1/6 at Totesport1/6 at Bet365New Zealand8/1 at PaddyPower8/1 at bet365England 14/1 at Canbet.For New Zealand or England to win the final, they would have pray for Fiji to defeat the unstoppable Aussies in the other semifinal.