Rugby
2011-10-02 - Ireland vs Italy
A Sports Betting Pick by Paddy
Rugby : Rugby World Cup 2011 : Pool C
Sunday, 2nd October 2011 - Kickoff 8:30pm (local)
Even though Ireland blew Pool C apart earlier in the tournament by beating Australia, winning their tie against Italy was always likely to be vital to secure their quarter final berth. Despite their terrific win over the Wallabies, nothing has changed in that regard and so Declan Kidney’s team still need to beat their Six Nations rivals to reach the knockout stages.
Ireland to secure vital win
Ireland remain favourites to top Pool C, with Wales their likely opponents in the last eight. However, despite three excellent wins, team manager Paul McNaughton refuses to rest on his laurels.
He told the BBC: “We always knew we had to beat Italy. We’re all very pleased to beat Australia but Italy was the game we had to win.
“The team has focused on each match. Nobody is thinking about the draw or anything like that.”
Ireland hope to have a full squad available for selection, with Gordon D’Arcy set to return from the hamstring problem that kept him out of the 62-12 win over Russia. Rob Kearney, Keith Earls and Sean O’Brien all picked up injuries against the Russians but should be fit for Sunday’s match.
Despite a famous win over Australia, Ireland could find themselves eliminated if results don't go their way.
Italy improving but may fall just short
Italy managed to score four tries in back to back wins for the first time in their history, and the bonus point they scored in a 27-10 win over the USA could be vital to their qualification chances.
The Azzurri are now level with Australia in Pool C with 10 points, three points behind Ireland. And if Italy win against the Irish in Dunedin on Sunday and the Wallabies beat Russia, Ireland will be eliminated.
Despite Italy's comfortable win against the USA, Italy made a number of unforced errors which will surely be punished by this in-form Ireland side.
Italy have lost the last fifteen matches against Ireland, but came close to a first victory in the 2011 Six Nations when they went down 13-11 in Rome.
Verdict:
A win for Italy and their progression into the knockout stages of a World Cup would truly mean that the ‘sixth nation’ had arrived on the world rugby scene, but after three excellent wins I can’t see beyond an Ireland win in Dunedin on Sunday.
Italy make too many unforced errors and so will be punished against a good side, and Ireland have been solid and in good form since the tournament began. Ireland will fancy their chances of beating Wales if they can top the group, and so there should be enough talent and motivation to secure the vital win.
Ireland to secure top spot in Pool C.
The Pick :
Ireland to win by more than 13 points
