The South Americans proved they will be no pushover during their clash with a second-string Le Bleu side, and the Italians will need to be wary this Wednesday.
Italy v Uruguay
Wednesday 20 September
Allianz Riviera
Italy 1/66 | Draw 40/1 | Uruguay 10/1
The Azzurri got their campaign off to a near perfect start as they hammered Southern African minnows Namibia 52-8. While their opponents did give them a bit of a contest during the opening quarter of the fixture, it was all Italy from the 20th-minute onwards as they ran in some stunning tries.
Uruguay also impressed in their first game up as they gave a much-changed but still very handy French outfit a real run for their money with the South American minnows only going down 27-12 to one of the tournament’s favourites.
The two tries Uruguay scored were things of beauty with winger Nicolas Freitas channeling his inner Lewis Suarez with a beautiful first touch off the boot from a crossfield kick to go over for the opener while their second saw outside centre Baltazar Amaya run a beautiful overs line to grab his side’s second five-pointer. And while France managed to overcome a staunch Uruguayan effort, the South Americans put the world on notice with their strong showing.
After running France close, Italy will have taken notice and they will undoubtedly field a strong side for this one as they have a ten-day gap between this fixture and their clash with New Zealand.
While I can see Italy winning this one, I don’t think it will be by much. As such, I’m on the plus handicap here.
Verdict: Uruguay (+25) 20/21
