With all four sides having completed their pool campaigns with victory last weekend, the two games promise to be tight affairs.
Ireland, who followed up their defeats at the hands of Argentina and New Zealand with a win against Tonga, take on the Italians who were somewhat disappointing in Pool D where defeats at the hands of Wales and France were followed up with a scrambled victory over Japan.
In the other game, Scotland, who were beaten by Samoa and South Africa in Wrexham, put one over on the USA on Saturday to set up a game against a Canadian side who made up for losing out to England and Australia by edging past Fiji 17-10 at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening.
Ireland Coach Eric Elwood, who has seen his side develop well over the past 10 days said: “Our second half performance against Tonga was fantastic. We had a chat at half-time and a few harsh words were said because we didn’t turn up at all and we were second fiddle. We got some great scores in the second half though and played some good rugby.”
Fullback Andrea Pratichetti, one of the stand out players for Italy in the competition so far, said: “We are thrilled to get a victory in the pool. It was a big match for us because we have stayed together as a group despite losing our first two games. Thankfully we cut out the errors that cost us so badly in those first two games and this time we were able to finish off our hard work. That had not been the case against Wales and France.”
Scotland, who had not won a game this season prior to last weekend, come up against a Canadian team who have exceeded expectations after pre-tournament predictions had them finishing the competition in the final tier bottom four sides.
Canada Coach Tim Murdy said: “I’m very proud of the guys, they showed a lot of resolve to win the game against Fiji. We had to patch up our wounds after a really physical battle against Fiji and make sure we are ready for our next challenge.”
Scotland Coach Colin Robertson is buoyed by his side’s 41-14 victory over the young Eagles: “We desperately needed to win and duly delivered. We scored six tries against the USA and it’s not often that Scottish teams achieve that.
“I’m proud of the way the boys bounced back after the South Africa game. That says a lot about this group of players. We’re now looking to win our remaining games.”
Wednesday 18th June
Scotland v Canada – Rodney Parade, Newport – kick-off 5pm
Ireland v Italy – Cardiff Arms Park – kick-off 7pm
