As the weekend draw upon us once again attention returns to Pool B, where Italy face their first real test of the Rugby World Cup as they come up against South Africa.

The Springboks, viewed by most as favourites to win the competition alongside the All Blacks, have defeated Namibia in style since their opening weekend defeat to New Zealand, while Italy entered this week as Pool B leaders.

South Africa v Italy
Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa – Pool B

Conor O’Shea’s Italy have claimed back-to-back wins in their opening Rugby World Cup fixtures, but whether their momentum is enough to challenge the Springboks is a questions requiring a whole new level of skill.

Despite losing to the All Blacks in the first round of fixtures, South Africa did have elongated periods of dominance and their possession dominance and strength at the set-piece is likely to prove a test too far for Italy.

The Azzurri, though, are progress well through the international ranks with confident wins against lower ranked side, but the Springboks should emerge victorious and a bonus point would be very welcome too.

Matches odds with Coral: South Africa 1/33 Draw 66/1 Italy 16/1
Ben’s Prediction: South Africa win by 25 points