In something of a minor shock, the Irish defeated Italy in their opening round match of the 2017 World Cup match at Barlow Park in Cairns.
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Final score
Ireland 36
Italy 12
Two teams look to open their accounts in the Rugby League World Cup when Italy face Ireland at Barlow Park in Cairns. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEDT).
In a clash between two teams whose performance at this World Cup is tough to predict, the weight of opinion seems to suggest that the Italians will be too strong for the Irish.
However, there is a sprinkling of talent through both sides and knowing how this will play out in reality is very much guesswork.
Already we have seen a few teams, Australia included, struggling with combinations and this match could be another case in point with many players having little or no football in recent weeks.
It is the case for all teams and something that coaches will attempt to combat with minimal risk early on, in order to establish a base on which to work.
For Cameron Ciraldo’s Italians, they go in as strong favourites with all eyes set to be on James Tedesco at full-back and Paul Vaughan up front.
With veterans Mark Minichiello and Terry Campese providing experience and leadership, the Italians look a strong squad.
Mark Aston’s Irish won’t have as many familiar names to local viewers yet also have some talented players in their squad.
Liam Finn is a proven competitor, as is Wigan hooker Michael McIlorum. A handful of others have Super League experience with big clubs and if combinations can be struck between them, the Irish should have a better World Cup than their last effort where than finished well off the pace.
Prediction
In what is a tough encounter to line up the teams, logic suggests the Italians will have just a little too much talent across the park.
In saying that, I feel this might be little closer than some think and the Irish are not without a chance.
Italy 34, Ireland 22
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Stuart Thomas
Expert
In something of a minor shock, the Irish have defeat Italy in their opening round match of the 2017 World Cup match at Barlow Park in Cairns. Despite fears around the heat, the contest was a willing one and the Irish, despite being tipped to struggle the most in the oppressive conditions, out-enthused and out-muscled a clunky Italian outfit. With Terry Campese a late exclusion and an injury to Jack Johns providing extra hurdles for the Italians, they never clicked their attack into gear and the excellent completion rate of the Irish ground them into submission. With three first half tries and only a late intercept for the Italians getting them on the scoreboard, the Irish took in a healthy half-time lead. With the use of the breeze in the second, it seemed likely the Italians would rebound. The early stages of the second period seem to indicate that was to be the case, yet errors plagued them and the Irish rode their luck at times. Eventually the camel’s back was broken and three second half tries to the men in green sealed the victory with Italy only managing to cross the line on one occasion. Liam Finn was the maestro for the Irish and managed the game superbly throughout. Much pressure now falls on the Italians who need to win and win well in all their remaining matches. Final score Ireland 36 Italy 12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Thanks for being on board, match report to follow in five minutes. Don't forget the number one caller on TheRoar, Scott Pryde will be with you shortly with the Scotland - Tonga match.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Huge upset win for Ireland. Wonder how far they can go in this tournament. Thanks for the call Stuart.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
FULL-TIME IRELAND 36 ITALY 12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The full time siren sounds and the conversion....................misses.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
79' Ireland looking to finish off this excellent day and Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook busts a tackle down the left and scores..................TRY IRELAND.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Italy might get a consolation try here.......but the kick doesn't find touch.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
78' Italy on their line and this game is done. Well played Ireland. Italy get a late penalty.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
77' Ireland doing a lot of dummy half running and they will be looking for another touch finder.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
How well have they played Renegade? Excellent performance, although Italy have been poor and a little busted.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
75' On cue Liam Finn, thank you, professional performance.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Like 2008 & 2013, The myth of “if you don’t have any NRL players, you suck” has been put to bed pretty early in this World Cup.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Game management the key here. Ireland need to find the touchline and eat some clock.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Game feel like it is just losing its intensity as Italy's last tackle option goes out on the full and the Irish should be able to shut this game down.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
73' IRELAND 32 ITALY 12
Stuart Thomas
Expert
The Irish lose the ball as they swing into attack.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
72' Finn makes a break after a last tackle kick and he takes the tackle to settle his team. Brilliant thinking.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Tedesco trying desperately to spark his team, yet the Irish have kept him in check.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Knock on Ireland and an Italian scrum feed.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Seven tackle set.