New Zealand vs Italy prediction and odds: Rugby World Cup

Pundit Feed

29 September 2023

New Zealand vs Italy prediction and odds: Rugby World Cup

The Parc Olympique Lyonnais or ‘Groupama Stadium’ is the venue for the Pool A clash between third place New Zealand and second place Italy. Both sides are targeting France at the top of the pool, who have already beaten the All Blacks whereas Italy come into this match after victories over Namibia and Uruguay. With only the top two progressing to the quarter finals, there is plenty at stake on Friday evening in Lyon!

New Zealand vs Italy match predictions

A defeat for the All Blacks would not only be a big shock but would also spell the end of their chances to progress in the tournament. We expect them to produce their best in this game against Italy.

New Zealand to win with a -28 point handicap @ 1/1 (2.00)

Although Italy come into this game five points above the All Blacks in Pool A, we are still predicting a convincing victory for New Zealand. Italy have become famed for playing fast flowing and attacking rugby but under Kieran Crowley they have also conceded plenty of points. With Italy going all out for the win in this game, we expect plenty of gaps in the defence for a full strength New Zealand to exploit.

Will Jordan to be first try scorer @ 6/1 (7.00)

The 25 year old winger is New Zealand’s most dangerous and lethal player, but he is yet to get off the mark with a try in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He has suffered a few injuries over the last 12 months but plenty of observers consider him to be one of the best backs on show in the tournament. He has been prolific in domestic and international rugby and he is our prediction to get the first try in this match.

Much changed All Blacks know the importance of this clash with the Azzurri

Nine changes have been announced by the All Blacks from their very convincing 71-3 victory over Namibia two weeks ago.

New Zealand

Not only is this a very important match for the All Blacks, but their key players will all be well rested due to missing the walk in the park against Namibia ahead of the team’s rest week across the last weekend. Ian Foster has kept only six players in the side from a fortnight ago and there will also be a place on the bench for Sam Cane who missed the first two games due to a back injury.

New Zealand last five:

New Zealand 71-3 Namibia

France 27-13 New Zealand

New Zealand 7-35 South Africa

New Zealand 23-20 Australia

Australia 7-38 New Zealand

Italy

The Azzurri come into this match after convincing wins over Namibia and Uruguay. They never go into their shells, irrespective of the implications of defeat, so we can expect them to come hard at the All Blacks from the first whistle. They are targeting their fourth successive victory.