The USA will be looking for another solid showing when they take on the Irish at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.
The Americans continue their tour of Europe with a stop in Dublin to face off against Ireland. The Yanks were solid last time out against England and will want to build on that performance this weekend.
Ireland v USA
Saturday 10 July
Aviva Stadium
20:15
To Win (80 Mins)
Ireland 1/100
Draw 40/1
USA 12/1
Handicap
Ireland (-26.5) 9/10
USA (+26.5) 9/10
Ireland were decent enough last week but were made to work hard for their win over the Japanese. The Asians pushed the Irish all the way last time out but ultimately came up short.
The game was a high octane affair but it was the Irish forwards who came to the fore, crashing over for a number of tries when camped inside the Japanese five-metre. They may well have the ascendency in the forward battle again as the United States’ big men struggled against the English pack last week.
Speaking of the States, they had one of their best games ever as they ran the English close at Twickenham only going down 43-29. The North Americans really came to life in the final salvos of the game as they crossed over for two late scores.
There are some worries for the Americans, however. Their scrum was absolutely torn apart by the English who had their pack retreating at a rate of knots. This could well be the case again this coming weekend as Ireland have a handy tight five.
In terms of team news, Chris Farrell, Jordan Lamour and Peter O’Mahony are all out with injuries, while the States will still be missing captain AJ MacGinty.
Verdict: Ireland (-26.5) 9/10
As impressed as I was with the Americans last weekend, I can’t see them repeating the dose here. There forward were bullied last weekend and the wear and tear is bound to tell. My money is on the hosts clearing the ‘cap here.
