Ireland vs Italy Six Nations Betting Tips
There were contrasting emotions for Ireland and Italy after week 1 of the Six Nations.
The Irish were well-beaten 36-14 by France, while the Azzurri played the miserable conditions perfectly to defeat Scotland 18-15.
There is a lot to like about the current Italian crop. However, a Six Nations win in Dublin continues to elude them.
Will Saturday be the day? Their price of 13/2 suggests not, but there is every reason to think they can push an Ireland team struggling for identity in week 2.
Ireland vs Italy Betting Tips
- Ireland to win by 1-12 points @ 11/5
- Caelan Doris to score a try @ 5/2
- Dan Sheehan to score two or more tries @ 3/1
Azzurri can push Ireland all the way
Ireland to win by 1-12 points @ 11/5
Italy played the conditions perfectly against Scotland, dominating the first 20 minutes before sitting in and sticking to their defensive shape to frustrate their opponents once the heavens had opened.
After improving under Kieran Crowley, the Azzurri have really taken off since Gonzalo Quesada took over in time for the 2024 Six Nations.
With a win under their belt already, the Italians may be forgiven for dropping off, but their improvement has been built on intensity and newfound depth that allows them to play for 80 minutes.
Ireland boss Andy Farrell was scathing about his team's showing in Paris and they will surely be better this week.
It is also worth noting that, while Ireland have recently lost at home to South Africa, New Zealand and France, their record at the Aviva is generally excellent, especially since Farrell took over in 2020.
Italy have never won a Six Nations game in Dublin and Saturday may not be their chance. However, they can push their hosts all the way.
Doris could emulate Dempsey
Caelan Doris to score a try @ 5/2
Scotland's first try in Rome came from number eight Jack Dempsey and Ireland's equivalent could go over at the Aviva.
A shoulder injury cost Caelan Doris the potential opportunity to captain the British & Irish Lions last summer in Australia, but he is coming back to his best form.
He joined Farrell in slamming his side's showing at the Stade de France, describing it as "disappointing overall".
The 27-year-old added in his interview with ITV: "Some class from them, but not good enough from us. We didn't shut them down early enough. We allowed them to play some of their flowing, attacking rugby. Not good enough from us in the collision. And, our kick-chase let us down, connections-wise."
An individual who leads by example, Doris will captain the Irish from the back of the scrum and has previous tryscoring experience against Italy, going over twice in a World Cup warm-up fixture in 2023.
More try-scoring success for Sheehan?
Dan Sheehan to score two or more tries @ 3/1
Another player who is still working towards his pre-injury best is Doris' Leinster colleague, Dan Sheehan.
The hooker is yet to return to where he was before his knee injury suffered in the summer of 2024.
Sheehan has still produced big moments, starring for the Lions, while he also scored a hat-trick against Italy last year.
That backed up the brace of tries he scored against the Azzurri in Dublin in 2024.
After last week's poor showing, Ireland may look to tighten up their game to limit errors.
Sheehan will be at the heart of their forward effort, while his trademark trait of staying wide as a kick-pass or crossfield kick option also provides other try-scoring opportunities.
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to change