2023 Rugby World Cup Predictions

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

Wednesday 11
Thursday 12
Friday 13
Saturday 14
Sunday 15
Monday 16
Tuesday 17
Wednesday 18
Thursday 19
Friday 20
Saturday 21

Ireland vs Romania Predictions - Big Ireland win incoming

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 05 Sep 2023

Listen

Ralph Staniforth 05 Sep 2023

Share this article

Watch Ireland vs Romania in the Rugby World Cup on Saturday (15:30 SAST)
Romania have lost their last 2 games by 50 points
Can Ireland break the 62-point handicap?

Expired

Ireland are ranked no. 1 in the world (Getty Images)

Ireland vs Romania Preview

Ireland may not play a full-strength side but regardless of who they pick, I fancy them to surpass the 62-point handicap. Romania have lost their last two games by 50 points to Georgia and Italy which doesn’t inspire much confidence in their ability to compete with Ireland.

Ireland vs Romania Preview
Head to Head
Ireland Form
Ireland Injuries & Team News
Romania Form
Romania Injuries & Team News

Ireland have won their last 2 matches against Romania.
Ireland are the Six Nations champion.
Ireland have won their last 14 matches.
Romania lost their last 2 matches by 50 points.
Romania have lost their last 3 matches.

Head to Head

Ireland have played Romania at the Rugby World Cup on two occasions in 1999 and 2003. Ireland were victorious on both occasions winning 44-14 in 1999 and 45-17 in 2003.

Ireland Form

Ireland are the world's No.1 side coming into the 2023 Rugby World Cup but they have a huge monkey on their back. While they have played in all nine previous editions, Ireland have never progressed past the quarter-final stage.

This year promises to be different though, although we thought the same in 2019. Ireland are the 2023 Six Nations champions and looked very convincing in the warm-up games, bar the last one against Samoa.

Although they scraped past Samoa with a second-string side, Ireland will be confident. But they are in the pool of death so will need to fire immediately.

Ireland Injuries & Team News

With this being the pool of death and Ireland still needing to face South Africa and Scotland, the Irish may opt to not go at full strength. Their side will be announced later this week.

Romania Form

Romania have been a relatively competitive European nation for some time, but they come into this World Cup in a bit of disarray.

They lost all three Rugby World Cup warm-up games, including against the USA who failed to qualify. Their other two losses came against Georgia and Italy, both by exactly 50 points.

This will be a tough start for Romania but their focus will be on Tonga, their only realistic chance of getting a win.

Romania Injuries & Team News

Romania are likely to field a full-strength lineup in the opener. Their team will also be announced late this week.

Verdict

Ireland v Romania

Ireland should be full of points in this fixture. I'm backing them to cover the handicap.

Ireland -62

Handicap

@1,90 - 5 Units

Get 100% up to R5000

+ 100 free spins on Sweet Rush Bonanza

Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games plus 100 free spins on Sweet Rush Bonanza. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.