Italy v Wales – Bet £10 Get £20 for all NEW Paddy Power customers
Paddy Power, official betting partner of the Welsh Rugby Union, make Wales heavy favourites to follow up the famous victory in Paris with another at the Stadio Olimpico. The Welsh team go in to the match as the 1/4 favourites and are an interesting 10/11 to win with an eight point handicap.
Respective victories over France supply a large part of the form clues ahead of this clash. Italy were immense when battling their way to victory over Les Bleus on the opening weekend. A week later, Wales put in an even more heroic performance in Paris to keep France try-less on the day and without a win in the Championship to date.
Wales make their first RBS 6 Nations visit to Italy’s new home on Saturday and although the venue has changed, the assignment remains notably similar. Italy will be as physical as usual but the increased attacking threat developed by coach Jacques Brunel has made them more dangerous than in previous years though the loss of captain and talisman, Sergio Parisse due to suspension is a big blow to the host nation’s chances of winning.
Wales’ record in Rome warrants confidence but with a sprinkling of wariness. In their six visits since the Azzurri joined the Championship, they’ve won four out of six, losing the other two. With the win over France under their belts however, Wales are likely to be a vastly different and more confident outfit. Victory is expected, especially in view of the deflating defeat Italy endured at Murrayfield. Across their four RBS 6 Nations wins in Rome, Wales have won by an average of 13 points and a similar margin on Saturday would tie in to the belief the team is on the up. Wales are 11/2 to win by 11-15 points and a tempting 6/4 to win by more than 13 points.
Alex Cuthbert scored a try and claimed Man of the Match honours when these two teams met in last year’s Championship and he’s a good bet to be First Tryscorer this time around. He touched down in the defeat to Ireland and looked menacing throughout against France. He’s an 8/1 shot to score the first try on Saturday and 15/8 to extend his already impressive international tryscoring record by scoring a try at anytime in the match.
