France had a heart-breaking loss in the final of the 2011 World Cup, losing by just one point to New Zealand. The French now attempt for another deep run in the World Cup when they open their campaign against Italy. The Italians are missing several key players in their campaign, but may struggle against one of Group D’s favorites.
There’s plenty more rugby to come around. Check out the complete previews for Wales vs. Uruguay and South Africa vs. Japan.
[sc:MultiSportArticles ]France vs. Italy Preview
Where: Twickenham Stadium, London
When: Saturday, September 19, 12:00 PM ET
Line: France (-15.5) vs. Italy (+15.5) – view all 2015 Rugby World Cup lines
Betting on France
The French barely missed out on a World Cup, losing to New Zealand 8-7 in the Final. They’ll be gunning for another deep run in this year’s campaign led by Thierry Dusautoir. He may have already slowed down since the 2011 World Cup, but Dusautoir’s experience and leadership is still invaluable for the team.
[sc:Other240banner ]Louis Picamoles is destructive going forward, which should help France make some crucial gains. On the wing, Yoann Huget is a good cutting runner and has been an asset with 15 points through his four-year career in the Five/Six Nations. But the French struggle to score tries, so they may opt to look for other options to score.
France has a good kicking game that could cover up for their struggle in scoring tries with Frederic Michalak and Scott Spedding. Michalak has a total of 103 points from the 2003 and 2007 World Cups, but may struggle with range this time around. Spedding is younger at 29 years of age and has the range that Michalak does not. Spedding has 12 career points on four penalty goals scored since he started playing for Les Bleu in 2014.
France has won three of its last four matches against Italy.
Betting on Italy
Italy is in crisis with skipper Sergio Parisse set to miss the World Cup opener after fluid was drained from his left leg following an injury in a wam-up game against Wales. The Azzurri will also miss their most creative fly-half in Kelly Haimona, who was forced to withdraw from the tournament with a broken arm.
Italy will at least have Tommaso Allan at fly-half to help in their scoring though. Allan has scored 60 points on two tries, seven conversions and 12 penalties scored in All Tests since 2013. He’s scored 25 points in two years of play in the Six Nations. His backup doesn’t seem too solid though; Carlo Canna has just three caps to his name.
The Italian backs have the talent to help Allan though. Edoardo Gori has been a solid scrum-half for the Azzurri. Meanwhile Michele Campagnaro is solid at center both on the attack and on defense. Italy also has some solid veterans in Mauro Bergamasco, playing in his record-tying fifth World Cup and Martin Castrogiovanni.
Italy has won just three of 36 matches against France.
Writer’s Prediction
France blows out Italy, covering the -15.5 spread. Create a betting account now and get some of the best Rugby World Cup action.
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