A few days before the World Cup, the tournament simulator OptaJonny predicts Ireland champion. The statistical institute based itself on the state of form of the teams, the history and the potential opponents. Following this, 10 million simulations were performed, hence the following results.
Ireland (21.7%) number one in the world ranking, France (21.4%) who will play at home, South Africa (20.5%) reigning world champion and finally New Zealand ( 20.5%) stand out. Nothing surprising then, even if Opta does not seem to have taken into account the recent defeat of the All Blacks against the Springbok (35-7).
Currently in turmoil after their historic defeat against Fiji at Twickenham, England are no longer favorites with only a 4.4% chance of winning a second title after that of 2003. Another team adrift, the country of Wales, who has just two wins in the last ten games, is just 0.6% from lifting the Webb-Ellis Trophy.
Despite the good state of form displayed by Fiji and Scotland, the simulator sees them only very little chance of winning, with 0.9 and 1.2% respectively. Answer on October 28 at the Stade de France to have the final verdict!
