atypical_boro
Well-known member
They would have been favourites in 1974-82 I imagine. But then it all changed. They weren't favourites in 1994 (Germany were) when they won it, obviously they were in 1998 but since then they haven't been again until 2014 because it was in their home country. France were favourites in 2002.How often have Brazil been pre-tournament favourites at the WC? They've won it twice since 1970.
New Zealand have been top 3 of 7 of the 9 tournaments. They have won 455 out of 588 tests. Only 6 sides have ever beaten them. They have only lost 7 out of 41 games against the Lions. You'd expect them to be bookies favourites for most tournaments but they don't win every game. Their biggest loss ever was to Australia last season.
They were probably favourites in 2006 come to think of it, though of course England were heavily fancied for that tournament too.
I really don't think its comparable though.
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