It’s crunch time for Italy in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Italy is currently third in Pool D with four points behind Ireland (10 points) and France (nine). The Italians will need to have their best performance in this game, and possibly more, in order to get as much points as possible. A win is a must, but scoring four or more tries is also of utmost importance. That’s easier said than done, though, as Italy faces pool leaders Ireland in this matchup.
Ireland has been lights out in its first two games of this World Cup campaign after putting on double-digit beatdowns to Romania and Canada. Read on as we break down this crucial Pool D match. Get some more rugby action with our complete previews for South Africa vs. Scotland and England vs. Australia.
Ireland has a couple of injury concerns heading into this match against Italy. Jared Payne, who scored on a try against Canada in the World Cup opener, is doubtful with a foot injury. Full-back Rob Kearney, who scored on a try in each of the first two matches, is also expected to be out with a hip injury.
[sc:Other240banner ]Despite the injury concerns, Ireland remains a deep team with plenty of talent to make up for their losses. Keith Earls could fill-in nicely for Payne after impressing in the second match against Romania, scoring on two tries and taking the Man of the Match honors. On the other hand, Simon Zebo can also fill-in for Kearney, but he’s yet to contribute in scoring in the World Cup.
The Irish should be able to continue their dominance in Pool D with plenty of able scorers. Tommy Bowe (two), Chris Henry, Sean O’Brien, Iain Henderson, Jonathan Sexton, David Kearney and Sean Cronin have all scored a try in Ireland’s first two matches in the Pool Stage. They should be able to continue their high-scoring ways as Italy doesn’t have a particularly strong defense after allowing France to score 32 points and 18 to bottom-feeder Canada.
Betting on Italy
Italy nabbed its first win of the Pool Stage with a tight 23-18 match against Canada. Michele Rizzo and Gonzalo Garcia each scored on a try, while Tommaso Allan was perfect with his kicks, making 2 of 2 conversions and 3 of 3 penalties.
If the Italians are to have success in this match, they’ll need Allan at his best. But they’ll need to score tries rather than just conversions and penalties. They have to catch up on points in order to make the World Cup Quarterfinals. Scoring four or more tries in a match in the Pool Stage ensures teams get an extra two points to boost their standings.
The Azzurri have the talent to build around Allan. Edoardo Gori is solid at scrum-half, while Michele Campagnaro is an excellent center both on the attack and defense. They should be solid backups to Rizzo and Garcia to help in scoring some precious tries. However, Ireland has a pretty solid defense, which has allowed just two tries in the entire tournament thus far.
Writer’s Prediction
Ireland blows out Italy to remain unbeaten in the pool. Create a betting account now and get in on the best rugby action that’s currently rocking the entire world.
