Italy vs New Zealand
This is a classic David vs Goliath clash between Italy and the All Blacks. The Italians have never come close to beating the All Blacks and this one sided trend looks set to continue. The All Blacks thumped Wales 54-16 in the last match while Italy last played in the Six Nations where they lost their final match 52-10 to Scotland. The All Blacks have made a number of changes for this match and have a new skipper in Sam Cane. He makes his return after a year out with a serious injury. The changes have made New Zealand stronger especially with maestro Richie Mo’unga back at 10. Italy must hope to be competitive and if they can add respectability to the final score then that will be a win for them.
TIP: It is good to see that Matteo Minozzi back in the Italian team after a self-imposed exile. He is a brilliant attacking fullback and along with wing Monty Ioane are the two most dangerous players in the team. The All Blacks have firepower throughout the team and with Mo’unga back we can expect to see the backline in full flight. Italy will try and slow the game down and this could be their best option as an open game could result in a cricket score. Italy will be mindful that the All Blacks have passed the century mark twice this season. The bookies have New Zealand as heavy favourites and I also tip them for a big win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.01, Playabets 1.01 and Sunbet 1.01
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Italy vs New Zealand
- The Italians have never beaten New Zealand.
- The closest match between these sides was a 31-21 NZ win back in 1991.
- New Zealand won the last meeting between the sides 66-3.
Latest results for both teams
Italy lost their last match 52-10 to Scotland while New Zealand beat Wales 54-16 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Italian have suffered heavy defeats to the All Blacks in the last three meetings even though they were all at home. This match will see New Zealand attacking from all parts of the ground and Italy must defend well or else this match could be over in the first half. The Italians have a decent scrum led by Saracens Marco Riccioni who has shown he can hold his own against anyone. The home team has to avoid errors especially when they are in possession as the visitors are deadly with turnover ball. A traditional strength of Italy is their rolling maul and they will hope to get that going forward. In the end the all-round quality of New Zealand will see them to victory by less than 48 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Italy
15 Matteo Minozzi, 14 Federico Mori, 13 Juan Ignacio Brex, 12 Marco Zanon, 11 Monty Ioane, 10 Paolo Garbisi, 9 Stephen Varney, 8 Renato Giammarioli, 7 Michele Lamaro (c), 6 Sebastian Negri, 5 David Sisi, 4 Marco Fuser, 3 Marco Riccioni, 2 Gianmarco Lucchesi, 1 Danilo Fischetti
New Zealand
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 George Bridge, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Brad Weber, 8 Hoskins Sotutu, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Josh Lord, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 George Bower
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the New Zealand victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.01
Playabets 1.01
Sunbet 1.01
Odds comparison on the Italy handicap :
The complete odds on the Italy handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+56.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+54.5) 1.92
Playabets (+55.5) 1.85
Predictions and Odds in details
New Zealand will be keen to see how Cane goes after his injury as the competition for the 7 jersey is immense in NZ. The Italians will look to their exciting halfback pairing of Paolo Garbisi and Stephen Varney to provide them with the spark in attack. Both these players are naturally attacking and this could be a way for the home team to breach the All Black defensive wall. The kicking of the halfbacks will decide the scoreline as any aimless kicking to Damian McKenzie and Sevu Reece will be severely punished by these great counter attacking players. The bookies are offering no money on the New Zealand outright win therefore I suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+56.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+54.5) 1.92 and Playabets (+55.5) 1.85
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
