New Zealand vs Italy
The battle for second position in Pool A takes centre stage as the New Zealand take on Italy. The All Blacks suffered their first ever loss in the pool stages of a World Cup when they were beaten by France in the opening match. The Azzurri on the other hand are unbeaten as they have played the minnows in the group so far. This will be a huge step up in class and it remains to be seen if they are able to adjust. The All Blacks have never lost to Italy before and they certainly won’t want to add that stat to their proud history.
TIP: Italy have made a number of changes to their backline with Tommy Allan moving back to the fullback position while star player Ange Capuozzo is back on the wing position. Allan at fullback is more a defensive selection as they can expect an attacking barrage from the All Blacks. New Zealand have named a full-strength team for the match with forward Shannon Frizell returning from injury. Veteran lock Sam Whitelock will make a record-breaking appearance from the bench. The bookies have New Zealand as favorites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.01, Gbets 1.01 and Hollywoodbets 1.01
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
New Zealand vs Italy
- The only previous match between the sides was won 17-10 by Italy.
Latest results for both teams
NZ beat Namibia 71-3 in their last match
PREDICTION
The All Blacks will be fired up for this contest while the Italians will need to start this match better than they have their previous games in the tournament. Playing against the Tier 2 teams as preparation for this match could backfire badly on them. New Zealand on the other hand have all their star players back for this match and we can expect an onslaught from the outset. Richie Mo’unga will be the key player and if he can get his star-studded backline to gel then Italy will have a tough day at the office. The scrum is the one area that the Azzurri can look to pressurize the All Blacks as the three-time champions look stronger in all other areas. I am predicting a NZ win by 30 points.
Probable Starting XVs
New Zealand
15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo’unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Nepo Laulala, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi
Italy
15. Tommaso Allan, 14. Ange Capuozzo, 13. Juan Ignacio Brex, 12. Luca Morisi, 11. Monty Ioane, 10. Paolo Garbisi, 9. Stephen Varney, 8. Lorenzo Cannone, 7. Michele Lamaro (c), 6. Sebastian Negri, 5. Federico Ruzza, 4. Dino Lamb, 3. Marco Riccioni, 2. Giacomo Nicotera, 1. Danilo Fischetti
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the New Zealand victory are as follows:
Betway 1.01
Gbets 1.01
Hollywoodbets 1.01
Odds comparison on the New Zealand handicap:
The complete odds on the New Zealand handicap:
Betway 1.90 (-26.5)
Gbets 1.87 (-26.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-26.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There is no money to be made on the NZ outright win therefore we suggest backing them on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (-26.5), Gbets 1.87 (-26.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (-26.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Auckland vs Northland
Waikato vs Canterbury
New Zealand vs Italy
Australia vs Portugal
South Africa vs Tonga
Fiji vs Georgia
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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.
