The Southern Hemisphere International Rugby season has kicked off with a huge upset with the All Blacks losing the First Test against the French at Carisbrook. The French have always been a bogey side for the All Blacks and have booted them out of a couple of World Cups in recent memory. The weakened French outfit, however, were massive underdogs facing a New Zealand side that was looking to erase painful memories from their last meeting.

The French Roosters were crowing after they out played and out muscled an All Black side that showed little heart or courage when it mattered most. 888Sport had the French at massive odds to win the game and you could have got them at a 17.5 point head start. The Second Test in Wellington will be one to look out for as the wounded All Blacks will throw every ounce of power, pride and passion they have at their disposal at the French.

The Aussies took on Italy in a freezing cold Canberra. The Aussies won comfortably but most punters expected them to win by more than the 31-8 full time margin. The Aussies never looked troubled but the Italians showed plenty of courage and scored a great try set up by Australian born Craig Gower. The second test is being played in Melbourne and you can expect the Aussies to be even more dominant.

The British and Irish Lions are still unbeaten in their tour of South Africa and the rugby world awaits the real contest when they face the Springboks in the best of three series.

888 Australia will keep you posted on all the rugby futures over the winter and remember there is no better place to place your rugby wagers than at 888 Sport, the most competitive and reliable online book available.