Stephen Ferris Fancies One Irish Player To Earn You Money This Weekend

Stephen Ferris is back after a successful first few weeks of the World Cup. There have been many hat-tricks scored in the tournament - and he fancied Earls to get a few against Romania.

With Ireland looking ahead to Italy this weekend, Ferris has a few more tips to back - and Keith Earls is the centre of his attention this weekend.

Keith Earls top Irish try scorer 3/1

Keith Earls is a great finisher. He has speed to burn and is very evasive. Give this guy the ball in space against any team and he will cause them problems. Top guy, will he be top World Cup try scorer for Ireland?? I think so.

With two tries in this tournament so far, Keith Earls is well on his way to being the top Irish try scorer for the second World Cup in a row. He's equalled Brian O'Driscoll's World Cup try scoring record, and with only two games gone so far - Ferris is backing Earls to be at the top of the Irish stats come Halloween. At a price of 3/1, that sounds very tasty.

1st Try-scorer Ireland v Italy - Keith Earls

It has been a running theme through this World Cup that the back row forwards are scoring tries off the back of mauls. I believe Sean O'Brien will be playing seven against Italy and will cross the line at some stage during the game. For first try scorer it's difficult. It's either wingers or back rowers. It's hard to look past Keith Earls after his trying scoring last weekend.

The team for Italy hasn't been announced yet, which means that there is no price being offered on first try scorer yet.

That said, Earls has looked our most potent weapon through the first two games. Should he get the start - there are tries to be scored against this Italian defence.

Ireland (-20) - 10/11

I think the game against Italy will be more difficult that the previous two. Italy got a win under their belt and will come out fighting on Sunday. Although in saying that, I feel Ireland are too strong and will win comfortably in the end up. Ireland to win by 20 or more.

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It just so happens that the early handicap being quoted between Ireland and Italy is exactly 20 points. In the two games against Italy under Joe Schmidt's tenure - Ireland have won by 39 and 23 points. This isn't a good Italian team. They have been in decline since their victory over Ireland in 2013, while the Irish team is on the up. Ireland have had a tendency to put teams to the sword when they get ahead, meaning that a handicap of 20 points is an attractive proposition.

1. Ireland did a job against Romania with your old colleague Tommy stepping up - does he now deserve a starting place in the business end of things?

SF- Ireland produced a great performance and every player put their hand up for selection for the next game against Italy. Tommy Bowe didn't put a foot wrong, and as I say to everyone, when has Tommy Bowe ever let Ireland down when it matters? Never. He would always make my starting 15.

2. Earls has now equalled BOD's World Cup record for tries scored - how good a finisher is he?

SF- Keith Earls is a great finisher. He has speed to burn and is very evasive. Give this guy the ball in space against any team and he will cause them problems. Top guy, will he be top World Cup try scorer for Ireland?? I think so.

3. Italy will be more of a test, will we see the true strength of the Irish team at this point, or will it be another walk in the park?

SF- I think the game against Italy will be more difficult that the previous two. Italy got a win under their belt and will come out fighting on Sunday. Although in saying that, I feel Ireland are too strong and will win comfortably in the end up. Ireland to win by 20 or more.

4. You successfully picked Chris Henry to cross the line last week - where's your smart money going this weekend?

SF- It has been a running theme through this World Cup that the back row forwards are scoring tries off the back of mauls. I believe Sean O'Brien will be playing seven against Italy and will cross the line at some stage during the game. For first try scorer it's difficult. It's either wingers or back rowers. It's hard to look past Keith Earls after his trying scoring last weekend.

5. England v Wales was a cracker! Is that the English out or can they beat the Aussies?

SF- That's definitely not the English out of the WC. They can bounce back against the Aussies and leave the group wide open again. They have a good enough squad, they just need to believe in themselves.

6. Finally, you said you'll be going to the match v Italy - what will your pre-match meal be?

SF- It used to be pasta and chicken. Now that I am on the other side of the fence it will be a mince pie and a couple of pints.... Ohh the joys of retirement...