Rugby World Cup live scores: Italy vs USA

Italy will be looking to keep their 2011 Rugby World Cup dream alive and put pressure on Ireland when they face the USA in Nelson this afternoon. Join us from 4.30pm AEST for live scores of all the action as it unfolds.

Fielding an understrength lineup, the Azzurri strolled past Russia 53-17 in their most recent match, and will need a similiar performance to claim the four points plus the imperative bonus point against the USA.

Five points will set up a tantalising winner-take-all clash with Ireland next Sunday and Nick Mallet has named a full-strength lineup to give the Italians every chance of claiming those five points.

A new look backline sees Gonzalo Canale, Gonzalo Garcia, Tommaso Benvenut, Mirco Bergamasco and Fabio Semenzato included, but they will be without the services of fullback Andrea Masi, who will miss a thigh injury.

After naming a weakened side to face the Wallabies last Friday night, USA coach Eddie O’Sullivan has also looked to strengthen his side as they search for their second win of the tournament.

Australian-born lock Hayden Smith has kept his place in the starting XV, and the likes of skipper Todd Clever, Chris Wyles and Mike MacDonald all give the USA a stronger appearance.

This will be the Eagles’ swansong for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and O’Sullivan will be looking for a strong performance to round out the tournament, after two strong performances in the opening games was somewhat down by the shallacking handed out by the Wallabies.

The USA have made considerable improvements from previous campaigns, and with a continued commitment to their rugby program will continue to build toward becoming a force on the international scene.

While they may not have the class to match their European opponents if the game opens up, they do possess a powerful forward pack that can certainly present some headaches for Nick Mallet’s men.

They’ll go into this one with the belief that they can push the Italians all the way, but the pool stage is approaching its business end and it’s hard to see the Italians letting their focus slip with so much to play for.

Can the Eagles spring one final surprise? Or will the Azzurri turn up the pressure on the Irish ahead of their encounter next Sunday? Join us from 4.30pm AEST for live scores as we cover all of the action, and post your comments below.