2015 Rugby World Cup Predictions and Preview: Ireland vs. Canada

The stars of rugby union take center stage when the 2015 Rugby World Cup kicks off in England. The very best of Pool D, Ireland, opens its season with a matchup against Canada. The Canadians aren’t a rugby power heading into this year’s tournament, but could cause a monumental upset should they catch Ireland sleeping.

Read on for a breakdown of this match below. Catch some more of the best rugby action in our complete previews for New Zealand vs. Argentina and England vs. Fiji.
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Ireland vs. Canada Preview

Where: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

When: Saturday, September 19, 6:30 AM ET

Line: Ireland (-38.5) vs. Canada (+38.5) – view all 2015 Rugby World Cup lines

Betting on Ireland

Ireland is the favorite to win Pool D of the 2015 Rugby World Cup at -175. The Irish open their World Cup campaign with a very manageable game against Canada. There’s plenty of talent in the Irish squad who could aid in blowing out the overmatched Canadians.

[sc:Other240banner ]Sean O’Brien may just be one of the best back-rowers in the pool. Tullow Tank can go on big runs with his muscularity displayed prominently with the ball in his hand. He also is a big tackler on defense. Fly-half Jonathan Sexon has 494 points to lead the Irish squad in the World Cup. Ireland is also no short on experience with captain Paul O’Connel makes his 106th cap in his fourth World Cup appearance.

Ireland will be very prepared for this match. Coach Joe Schmidt believes that the Canadians could pull a surprising upset if slept on. He’ll have his side hot and ready for a blowout for a resounding World Cup opener. The Irish side has been hot en route to the World Cup after winning back-to-back Six Nation Championships in 2014 and 2015.

Ireland has won five of its six matches against Canada since 1987.

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Betting on Canada

Canada may be long shots to win Pool D, but Irish coach Joe Schmidt believes that they have the talent to cause some upsets. The Maple Leafs have a seasoned captain in Jamie Cudmore who could give them an experience edge entering his fourth World Cup. But Cudmore may not be at his best rough-and-tumble self after battling concussion-related problems.

The Canada captain is supported by a handful of young players though. Nathan Kirayama provides the Maple Leafs with some creativity at fly-half. He’s scored 27 points on a try, five conversions, three penalty goals  and a drop scored in all Tests since 2008. Kirayama also has some experience on the World Cup Stage with two substitute appearances in 2011.

Phil Mackenzie, Flip Van der Merwe, Tyler Ardron and Jeff Hassler are some of Canada’s young guns in the World Cup. Of which, Mackenzie seems to be Canada’s best scoring threat. He had 10 points on two tries in the 2011 World Cup.

The Maple Leafs have lost four of their last five matches.

Writer’s Prediction

Ireland blows out Canada, but fails to cover the spread. Canada covers +38.5.
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