Ireland vs USA
The Irish like the other UK teams have been left severely depleted because of the British & Irish Lions call ups. They were run close by the Japanese team before winning a tight game. This match should be more comfortable as the American side struggled for long periods in their match against England. They did however finish the match well and actually outscored England in the second half. The USA team should look at maybe making some changes as the replacements certainly brought a lot more energy to the team. The Irish have picked Craig Casey at 9 where he will partner his Munster teammate Joey Carbery. This should ensure better cohesion in attack, something that was missing for long periods against Japan. The Americans were very weak at scrum time and if they don’t improve they will be a similarly penalized like in the England match. The player that impressed from the USA was Ruben de Haas. The South African born scrum half was excellent in attack and defence although he had one kick charged down that resulted in a try. That was more of his blockers not doing their job. The Irish looked flat in attack but have brought in exciting wingers Andrew Conway and Robert Baloucoune. They will offer pace and nifty footwork that was sorely missed in the last game. The American side has lost Marcel Brache to an injury and his experience will be sorely missed. The USA team has a very young team and Ireland will look to exploit that potential weakness
TIP: These Irish players will want to stake a claim in the full strength team so they know that impressing the coach is crucial in this match. The Americans on the other hand have Gary Gold as their coach and you see his influence as there is a strong South African blend in this team. The man that has been a constant feature in the Irish team is Hugo Keenan. He is starting his 13th consecutive test for Ireland. In the last match he was not at his best but I expect him to hit this match with a band. He brings so much to the team in attack as he cuts into the line at pace. Ireland will want more of those defence splitting runs that he is renowned for. The bookies have Ireland as heavy favourites and I agree with this as I tip Ireland for an easy win. The best odds on the Irish win are at: Worldsportsbetting 1.03, Playabets 1.01 and Sunbet 1.01
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ireland vs USA
- The Irish have won all the previous meeting with the USA
- The last time the sides met Ireland won 57-14.
Latest results for both teams
Ireland won their last game against Japan 39-31 while the USA lost their last match to England 43-29.
PREDICTION
This match should be one-way traffic for the Irish as they have experience coupled with quality throughout the team. Another factor favoring the Irish will be the crowd at the Aviva stadium. It was refreshing to hear fans at the game and they will see an Ireland team that will have more cohesion that the last game. The Americans will look to their big ball carriers like Riekert Hattingh and Hanco Germishuys to get them over the advantage line. The USA team relies on these guys for go forward ball but if the Irish defence can knock them back then they will have won the battle. The American team with their lack of experience and the quality in the Irish team makes me predict an Irish win by 30 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Ireland
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Robert Baloucoune, 13 James Hume, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Andrew Conway, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Craig Casey, 8 Gavin Coombes, 7 Nick Timoney, 6 Caelan Doris, 5 James Ryan (c), 4 Ryan Baird, 3 Tom O’Toole, 2 Ronan Kelleher, 1 Dave Kilcoyne
USA
15 Mike Te’o, 14 Christian Dyer, 13 Calvin Whiting, 12 Bryce Campbell (c), 11 Mika Kruse, 10 Luke Carty, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Cam Dolan, 7 Riekert Hattingh, 6 Hanco Germishuys, 5 Nick Civetta, 4 Gregory Peterson, 3 Paul Mullen, 2 Joe Taufete’e, 1 David Ainu’u
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Irish victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.03
Playabets 1.01
Sunbet 1.01
Odds comparison on the Irish handicap victory:
The complete odds on the Irish handicap victory:
Worldsportsbetting (-26.5) 1.90
Playabets (-26.5) 1.90
Sunbet (-27.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The American team showed in their last match that they are fighters and put on a spirited comeback in the second half. The Irish looked better in the second half and skipper James Ryan led his team superbly when it looked like Japan may snatch victory. The home team certainly has the advantage in the forwards and that will be the deciding factor in this match. If they win penalties at the scrum they will use Carbery’s big boot to kick to the corner. One of Ireland’s traditional strengths has always been their driving maul and I expect them to dominate the USA team in this area. The USA also showed they are good at the maul so Ireland must be wary about their discipline. The bookies are offering nothing on the Irish victory therefore I suggest Ireland on the handicap victory. The best odds on this bet are at Worldsportsbetting (-26.5) 1.90, Playabets (-26.5) 1.90 and Sunbet (-27.5) 1.90
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.