RBP Match Preview: Ireland vs Italy 2015

Ireland face their first real test of the World Cup, facing off with 6 Nations rivals Italy. The Italians have received a boost, with the return of their talismanic captain Sergio Parisse. Ireland can secure a spot in the quarterfinals with a win over the Italians, who will want to make a statement with a major upset.

Jack McGrath, Rory Best, and Mike Ross all are back for Ireland, in what is probably their most consistent front row. McGrath may not be able to offer the same danger in the loose as Cian Healy, but his excellent work in the scrum, and his never ending workrate mean that he has become the favorite over the last 12 months. Italy must live without one of their most senior players in Leonardo Ghiraldini, but have two good props in Lorenzo Cittadini and Matias Aguero, who will provide a very stable platform in the set piece.

Italy have come across two very good young players in the second row, with Quintin Geldenhuys and Josh Furno. Both are tireless around the park, and will make life difficult for Ireland at every opportunity. Iain Henderson is back in the lineup for Ireland, with his dominant performances pushing him ahead of Devin Toner. Henderson and O’Connell bring so much in terms of their physicality, and they will be a major headache for the Italians.

Young Francesco Minto will bring no shortage of aggression on the blindside, while Simone Favaro will work like a pack mule at the breakdown. Sergio Parisse is back at 8, and Italy will be counting on a big performance from the Stade Francais number 8. An on form Parisse is a worrying thought for any side, just ask the Ireland side of 2013. Ireland are looking to control the physicality of the game and the breakdown, with their pairing of Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien back together at 6 and 7 respectively. Jamie Heaslip will offer his considerable leadership and experience at 8, but containing Parisse will be no easy feat for the Leinster captain.

Ireland have stuck with their first choice pairing of Conor Murray and Jonathan Sexton in the halfbacks and Joe Schmidt will be praying that neither picks up a significant knock, ahead of Ireland’s vital matchup with France. Italian scrumhalf Edoardo Gori has had an excellent start to the tournament, and his pairing with flyhalf Tommaso Allan bodes well for the future of Italian rugby. If Italy are to secure the upset, then they will need a big performance from these two.

In the centers Italy have been hard hit. The loss of Luca Morisi leaves the Italians without one of their best players, and costs them a huge part of their attacking game plans. Gonzalo Garcia gives them a bit of experience in the centers, while Michele Campagnaro gives them a real x-factor presence in the outside center position. Ireland must deal with some bittersweet news in their centers, as while the 22 year old star Robbie Henshaw is back in the lineup at inside center while Keith Earls starts in the 13 jersey. Earls has been in flying form throughout the tournament, and he will want to make a major impact with ball in hand.

Italy have a very well balanced back three. Giovanbattista Venditti offers a lot of power, while Leonardo Sarto is lightning quick. Italy have no shortage of experience with Luke Mclean at fullback. Ireland have lost the first of their Kearney’s, with Rob out, but Dave has stepped in on the left wing looking to continue his rich vein of form. Tommy Bowe bounced back masterfully last week against Romania scoring two tries, but the real magic for Ireland is back in the side at fullback. Simon Zebo was unstoppable last week, racing away for 102 meters against a far weaker Romania team. How will he handle the fullback role against a much better side? That will go a long way in determining the outcome of this match.

Italy can call upon a few big names off the bench, with Alessandro Zanni and Mauro Bergamasco waiting in the wings. Ireland pack a lot more punch on the bench, with Cian Healy and Sean Cronin making up a potent combo in the loose, while Chris Henry can add even more punch at the breakdown. Ireland have so much danger in the backs as well, with Eoin Reddan, Ian Madigan, and Luke Fitzgerald all waiting to open up the game.

Ireland are rapidly gaining favor amongst many as the favorites to win the World Cup, and the Italians are simply a mess, but the one thing we must keep in mind is that the heart that the Italians always seem to play with. If Ireland cannot control the set piece, and let the Italians stay in the game, then they may have to win a fight. However, if Ireland are at their best, and can put together a good, Joe Schmidt performance, than Ireland should run out with another bonus point win.

Prediction: Ireland 38- Italy 17