Rugby betting: Six Nations - Ireland vs Italy

Nick Mallett managed to steer the Springboks to one of the most amazing unbeaten sequences in world rugby when he guided them to 17 wins on the trot. It is a feat that he is highly unlikely to repeat with Italy, who he now coaches after Pierre Berbizier stood down after the World Cup. Click here for a free $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker Many view Mallet's first match as Azzurri coach away to Ireland as one of the more difficult in the competition, but as the old saying goes: "there is no easy game in the Six Nations". Ireland are as short as 1/20 with Paddy Power, and although the prospect of an Italian win is probably as remote as Sportingbet's 8/1 suggests, Italy look a decent bet to stay within Paddy Power' 16-point start. Mallet has inherited a squad stuffed full of forward talent and without the talismanic Paul O'Connell to steer Ireland to safety, the Italians could make life hard work at the coal face. Their second-row is a match for the best sides and it could help to prevent Ireland fly-half Ronan O'Gara from kicking to the corners in order to secure field position. O'Gara had a shocking World Cup, but he has put in some big performances in the Heineken Cup and Magners League since then, which cannot be said for the skipper Brian O'Driscoll, or his centre partner Gordon D'Arcy. There is a feeling that Ireland have had their chance, and their World Cup implosion was the beginning of the end for the so-called 'Golden Generation'. Ireland's World Ranking has slipped markedly since they went to France in September, which lends credence to the theory that they are on their way out. Italy on the other hand had their best Six Nations ever last year, and although they suffered stage fright in France during the world cup, the arrival of Mallett should give them added impetus. Given that Italy almost beat Ireland at Ravenhill in the summer, an 18-point start looks ridiculous and Italy look a solid bet this weekend. Verdict: 3pts Italy +16 @ 10/11 (Paddy Power) Click here for a free $600 welcome bonus when you join Paddy Power Poker