yet they find themselves as HUGE 18/1 outsiders to beat New Zealand in Lyon tonight
New Zealand and Italy are at vastly different points as it relates to their standing in world rugby.
The All Blacks, who are the most successful rugby nation in history, are going through somewhat of a transition period.
Despite still being major threats to win their fourth Rugby World Cup (RWC) title in France this year - Ian Foster's side are perceived to have less depth and a lack of superstar players in key positions when compared to All Blacks teams of the past.
That was evidenced in their opening game against France in Paris earlier this month, as they succumbed to their first pool loss in history.
Conversely, for gli Azzurri, they are a team on the rise. Michele Lamaro and Co have kicked off their RWC campaign in style - albeit against lesser competition - defeating minnow nations Namibia and Uruguay by a combined margin of 65 points.
If you're anticipating Italy to pull off the upset of all upsets against New Zealand in Lyon tonight, Kieran Crowley's side are massive outsiders at 18/1 to come away with the win - while the three-time world champions are an incredibly short 1/100.
There are also four 'Price Boosts' on offer with Sky Bet for this particular fixture - the first two of which include 'New Zealand to score 20+ points in each half', and 'New Zealand to score a try in the first ten minutes of each half'. Those bets have been enhanced to 9/4 and 11/4 respectively.
The additional two price boosts for this Pool A clash are for 'Mark Telea to score a try in each half' at 7/1, and 'Rieko Ioane and Monty Ioane both to score a try' at 11/1.
Sky Bet odds for New Zealand vs Italy (Rugby World Cup):
New Zealand 1/100
Italy 18/1
Drawn Match 50/1
Sky Bet 'Price Boosts' for New Zealand vs Italy:
New Zealand to score 20+ points in each half 9/4
New Zealand to score a try in the first ten minutes of each half 11/4
Mark Telea to score a try in each half 7/1
Rieko Ioane and Monty Ioane both to score a try 11/1
