RLWC2021 – Australia v Italy: Team news, how to watch on TV & predictions
Everything you need to know – Australia v Italy.
Australia have all-but secured their spot in the quarter-finals following wins over Fiji and Scotland, with a healthy points difference of +118.
Italy have two points on the table in Group B, having picked up a win over Scotland in their opening game. They fell to a 60-4 bashing against Fiji last week in Newcastle.
Match details
- Australia v Italy
- Date: Saturday 29 October
- Kick-off time: 7:30pm
- Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens
- Group B
Australia v Italy team news
Australia 19-man squad: 1. James Tedesco, 2. Daly Cherry-Evans, 3. Ben Hunt, 4. Valentine Holmes, 6. Reagan Campbell-Gillard, 9. Latrell Mitchell, 10. Jack Wighton, 11. Cameron Murray, 12. Matt Burton, 13. Patrick Carrigan, 14. Nathan Cleary, 15. Lindsay Collins, 16. Reuben Cotter, 18. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, 19. Campbell Graham, 21. Liam Martin, 22. Jeremiah Nanai, 23. Murray Taulagi, 24. Isaah Yeo.
Italy 19-man squad: §. Luke Polselli, 2. Richard Lepori, 3. Daniel Atkinson, 4. Ethan Natoli, 5. Jake Maizen, 6. Jack Campagnolo, 7. Radean Robinson, 8. Alec Susino, 9. Dean Parata, 10. Anton Iaria, 12. Brenden Santi, 13. Nathan Brown, 14. Joey Tramontana, 15. Luca Moretti, 16. Gioele Celerino, 17. Ronny Palumbo, 18. Kyle Pickering, 19. Luke Hodge, 20. Jack Colovatti.
What the two camps are saying
Australia boss Mal Meninga said following his side’s win over Scotland: “I’m very happy with the performance. It’s early yet so we’re not going to get carried away but I can’t criticise any of it. I thought we were very good.
“We came with a clear plan and we stuck to it. Our ball control in those conditions was fantastic.”
Italy coach Leo Epifania said: “It doesn’t get any easier. Our boys have just got to keep trying their hearts out and try and limit some of these great teams. We must limit their opportunities and do our best and not be sitting back.
“We need to be on the front-foot taking our defence to other teams. I just want to be proud of their efforts and I think they’ll want to feel the same way.”
How can I watch the game on TV?
Every game across the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup tournaments is being broadcast by the BBC.
Australia v Italy is on BBC iPlayer, Red Button & BBC Sport Online.
READ: How to watch every Rugby League World Cup game on the BBC
Odds and predictions
It’s hard to see anything but a win here for the reigning champions. Italy are as big as 33/1 to win this one with Planet Sport Bet. It’s a tough ask.
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