Japan vs Argentina
It’s a winner take all match in Group D as Japan take on Argentina with a place in the quarter finals on the line. Both teams are on nine points from their three matches with the Pumas the favourites coming into this final pool game. Japan have been some what of a surprise package so far as they came into the tournament in poor form after their showings in the Pacific Cup. They were brushed aside by England but shocked everyone when they overcame the much-fancied Samoan team Argentina started their campaign with a big loss against a 14 man England team but have bounced back with two victories.
TIP: Pumas Coach Michael Cheika as made wholesale changes for this match and has recalled all his big guns including starting Santiago Carreras at flyhalf. It is a big call at ten as veteran flyhalf Nicholas Sanchez was superb in the last match. Japan have gone with their tried and tested and stuck with the same match squad from their last match. They will again be looking to play their high tempo game and keep the opposition on their toes. The bookies have Argentina as favorites but I’m tipping Japan for the upset win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 6.50, Gbets 6.52 and Hollywoodbets 6.40
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS
Japan vs Argentina
- Japan have won three of the last four matches against Samoa.
- The last match between the sides was won 24-22 by Samoa.
Latest results for both teams
Japan beat Samoa 28-22 in their last match while Argentina beat Chile 59-5 in their last match.
PREDICTION
One the of criticisms levelled at Japan was that their squad was too old when you consider the likes of former Captain Michael Leitch and Shota Horie but these players rolled back the clock and have been outstanding so far. The Pumas certainly have the strength in the forwards but the Japanese are past masters at avoiding too many set pieces. The one weakness that Japan can look to exploit is the relative inexperience of flyhalf Carreras. If they can put enough pressure on him, he has shown the tendency to crack. Both teams have brilliant goal kickers so discipline will be key. We are predicting an upset win for Japan by three points.
Probable Starting XVs
Japan
15 Lomano Lemeki, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Siosaia Fifita, 10 Rikiya Matsuda, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Kazuki Himeno (c), 7 Lappies Labuschagne, 6 Michael Leitch, 5 Amato Fakatava, 4 Jack Cornelsen, 3 Jiwon Gu, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Keita Inagaki
Argentina
15 Juan Cruz Mallia, 14 Emiliano Boffelli, 13 Lucio Cinti, 12 Santiago Chocobares, 11 Mateo Carreras, 10 Santiago Carreras, 9 Gonzalo Bertranou, 8 Juan Martin Gonzalez, 7 Marcos Kremer, 6 Pablo Matera, 5 Tomas Lavanini, 4 Guido Petti Pagadizabal, 3 Francisco Gómez Kodela, 2 Julian Montoya (c), 1 Thomas Gallo
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Japan victory are as follows:
Betway 6.50
Gbets 6.52
Hollywoodbets 6.40
Odds comparison on the Japan handicap:
The complete odds on the Japan handicap:
Betway 1.85 (+14.5)
Gbets 1.86 (+14.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are excellent odds on the Japan upset win but if you looking for a safety bet then backing the Japanese on the handicap is a great idea. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.85 (+14.5), Gbets 1.86 (+14.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.88 (+14.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Canterbury vs Auckland
France vs Italy
Taranaki vs Tasman
England vs Samoa
Ireland vs Scotland
Japan vs Argentina
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Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
