Wales gave England a massive scare.

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England and Australia have been massive drifters in the World Cup market following unconvincing quarter-final wins.

England had been joint favourites in places before their clash with Wales but after their hard-fought 28-17 triumph they are now out to just under 11/5 (3.15) on Betfair with New Zealand clear at the head of the betting at 2.44.

It's a similar story with the traditional bookies, Hills quoting England at 2/1 (from 6/4) while Corals go 15/8 (from 6/4). Both firms make New Zealand their 6/5 market leaders.

Wales led 10-3 at half-time and outscored England by three tries to one but the boot of Jonny Wilkinson came to England's rescue.

There was some frenetic trading on the game on Betfair with over £2million matched on the outcome.

With Wales ahead at the break, England were available at backers at as big as 1.31 and some huge amounts were traded as the following list shows:

1.26 - £13,787
1.27 - £24,628
1.28 - £76,628
1.29 - £56,936
1.30 - £76,683
1.31 - £18.974

A Wales win was matched at as low as 4.3 while the Wales/England half-time/full-time double result was traded at 30 before the game.

But England's walk in the market is nothing compared to that of Australia.

The Wallabies stuttered to a 33-16 victory over Scotland with three second-half tries ensuring they advanced as expected to a last-four meeting with the All Blacks in Sydney next weekend, but there will not be too many punters risking their money on a home win on the evidence of what occurred in Brisbane.

After Ireland shook the holders to the core last weekend, their Celtic cousins did exactly the same and only the obvious lack of a cutting edge ensured their hard work up front did not receive tangible reward.

Australia had their line-out badly exposed, their pack virtually demolished and their skipper George Gregan left the field to ironic cheers on the hour as he was replaced by Chris Whitaker.

The Aussies are now out to 9.4 on Betfair, the biggest price of any of the semi-finalists as France, who take on England in the other semi, are as short as 7/2 with Corals following their impressive 43-21 quarter-final success over Ireland.