# Rugby World Cup Betting Shifts with New Format

> 2027 Rugby World Cup's round of 16 changes betting odds and third-place value.
- Title: Rugby World Cup Betting Shifts with New Format | Shortify
- Summary: 2027 Rugby World Cup's round of 16 changes betting odds and third-place value. The 2027 Rugby World Cup's new round of 16 format gives third-place teams…
- Keywords: rugby world cup, betting, round of 16, third place, webb ellis cup, stadium australia, perth stadium, pool teams, rugby pools, betting markets, rugby world cup 2027, rugby world cup betting
- Source: The Rugby Paper — https://therugbypaper.co.uk/guest-blogs/494737/how-the-first-round-of-16-changes-rugby-world-cup-betting
- Author: The Rugby Paper Team
- Published: 2026-10-09T13:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rugby world cup, betting, round of 16, third place, webb ellis cup, stadium australia, perth stadium, pool teams, rugby pools, betting markets, rugby world cup 2027, rugby world cup betting
## New Rugby World Cup Format
The 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup features 24 teams and 52 matches with a round of 16 for the first time.
## Pool Structure Changes
Six pools of four teams replace the old four pools of five, with top two teams advancing to the round of 16.
## Third Place Now Matters
Third-place teams now qualify for knockout rounds, changing betting markets and adding value to pool positions.
## Pool Rankings Determine Third Place
Third-place teams are ranked across all pools using pool points, points difference, tries scored, and world rankings.
## Key Pools for Third Place
Pools B, C, and E have teams chasing third place behind strong favorites like South Africa and Argentina.
## Bracket Complexity
The bracket determines who faces whom in the round of 16, with second-place teams affecting knockout paths.
## Betting Market Shifts
South Africa and France lead betting odds, with France’s price shortening between bookmakers after the draw.
## Football Precedent
Euro 2016 used a similar format, with Portugal finishing third and advancing to the round of 16.
## Rugby Betting Evolution
Rugby betting now rewards third-place teams, similar to racing’s each-way markets for near misses.
## Risks of Betting
Betting on the 2027 World Cup carries risks due to injuries, coaching changes, and a long timeline.
## The Verdict
Third place now carries betting value, and the bracket is key to understanding 2027 Rugby World Cup outcomes.
## What Happens Next
Betting markets will adjust as the 2027 Rugby World Cup approaches, with third-place teams gaining significance.
## Key takeaway

The 2027 Rugby World Cup's new round of 16 format gives third-place teams betting value and alters knockout brackets.