RUGBY BETTING PICK - IRELAND V USA

Rugby

2011-09-11 - Ireland vs USA

A Sports Betting Pick by Paddy

IRELAND v UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Rugby : Rugby World Cup 2011 : Pool C
Sunday, 11th September 2011 - Kickoff 17:45 (local)

---

After a miserable series of warm-up matches, Ireland head to their opening World Cup match in New Plymouth hoping to avoid a repeat of their lacklustre performance in the tournament four years ago.

Up first are the USA, with Declan Kidney’s side looking for a morale boosting opening win to kick-start their campaign.

The USA:

Present at every World Cup since 1999, the USA are now consistent members of rugby’s second tier and are 18th in the IRB’s world rankings.

The United States are unlikely to every seriously trouble the big boys but capable of competing against similar ranked sides, the USA should be competent this time without ever really threatening.

A dozen of the USA squad ply their trade in Europe and in Takudzwa Ngwenya they have a winger with genuine pace (as Bryan Habana will no doubt remember). Flanker Todd Clever is the captain whilst Leeds Carnegie prop Mike MacDonald has won 62 caps for his country.

A win against Russia and a good performance against Italy should be about the limit of the Eagles’ abilities..

Ireland :

A shocking run of four defeats should end when Ireland face the USA
Ireland hope to improve on recent form.

Four consecutive warm-up defeats to England, Scotland and France (twice) are hardly the best preparation for the World Cup and now Ireland coach Declan Kidney also has to contend with injuries to the likes of Rob Kearney, Sean O’Brien, Cian Healy, Jamie Heaslip and captain Brian O’Driscoll.

Mind you, this tournament could barely be more disappointing than 2007 when Ireland were beaten by both Argentina and France and this time around the Irish should make the knockout stages.

Ireland ought to be travelling as one of Europe’s leading hopefuls, and if they can select their first choice fifteen then they should have a chance.

Ronan O’Gara and Jonathan Sexton bring superb competition to the fly-half position whilst they boast huge experience in full-back Geordan Murphy, centre Gordon D’Arcy and locks Donncha O’Callaghan and Paul O’Connell.

Verdict :

Ireland to kick-start tournament with good win.

While the USA may be a competent side, they should be no match for Ireland in this game. The Americans have only won one of their six matches in 2011 and recent results include an 8-87 thrashing by the England Saxons, a heavy 13-44 defeat to Tonga and a 7-27 reverse to Canada.

Ireland’s recent form may not have been particularly impressive, but they can play themselves into form with a comfortable win in this one.

However, considering the USA lost 28-10 to England and 25-21 to Samoa in 2007, the underdogs may be able to keep the scoreline respectable. Admittedly the Springboks did thrash the Eagles 65-15 four years ago, but I think in the first game the USA can keep Ireland’s score down.

Ireland to win, but back the USA at 10/11 with a 35 point start.

The Pick :