Scotland vs Japan
Head coach Gregor Townsend has demanded his players produce their best performance of the year this weekend after failing to do so against the Springboks, perhaps wary of the 28-21 loss to Japan in the 2019 World Cup that ultimately condemned them to a premature exit from the tournament. Since then, however, Japan have largely failed to live up to the greater expectations now placed upon them. They were pummeled 60-5 by Ireland and in all honesty they were lucky to beat Portugal in the last match. It is amazing far they have fallen since the World Cup.
TIP: Ill discipline and a lack of finesse under pressure brought an end to Scotland’s four-game winning streak at Murrayfield last weekend, but there were plenty of positives to take from a 15-30 defeat to current world champions South Africa. This week’s opposition, Japan, should offer them an opportunity to put together a better performance and potentially avenge that World Cup loss. The bookies have Scotland as heavy favourites and I also am tipping the Scots to win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.09, Playabets 1.07 and Sunbet 1.08
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Scotland vs Japan
- Scotland have won six of the seven encounters between these teams.
- Scotland have never lost at home to Japan.
- Japan beat Scotland in their last match at the WC 2019
Latest results for both teams
Scotland lost their last match 30-15 to the Springboks while the Japanese beat Portugal 38-25.
PREDICTION
The Scots will look to their mercurial flyhalf Finn Russell to improve on his showing from the previous two matches where he was atrocious especially with his goal kicking. You cannot beat top team when you miss easy kicks. The player that stood out was Captain Stuart Hogg who scored two tries against the Boks and if his team follows his example then they will easily beat the Japanese. The most dangerous player on the opposition team is undoubtedly Kotaro Matsushima. The Scots must watch him closely or else he will run them ragged. The home team will win this match comfortably by less than 15 points
- Probable Starting XVs
Scotland
15 Stuart Hogg (c), 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Chris Harris, 12 Sam Johnson, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ali Price, 8 Josh Bayliss, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Jamie Ritchie, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Scott Cummings, 3 Zander Fagerson, 2 George Turner, 1 Jamie Bhatti
Japan
15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Kotaro Matsushima, 13 Shogo Nakano, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Siosaia Fifita, 10 Rikiya Matsuda, 9 Yutaka Nagare, 8 Kazuki Himeno, 7 Pieter Labuschagne (c), 6 Michael Leitch, 5 James Moore, 4 Jack Cornelsen, 3 Asaeli Ai Valu, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Craig Millar
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Scotland victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.09
Playabets 1.07
Sunbet 1.08
Odds comparison on the Japan handicap :
The complete odds on the japan handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (+19.5) 1.90
Sunbet (+18.5) 1.86
Playabets (+18.5) 1.90
Predictions and Odds in details
The obvious weakness in the Japanese team is in their forwards as they are not a very big team physically. This was not really a problem for them in the past as they played a high tempo game that didn’t include too many set pieces but in recent times there has not been that fizz in their backline play. If they are not careful the Scots will win this match very early if the Japanese pack does not stand up to the Scottish forwards. The bookies are offering almost no value on the Scottish outright victory therefore I suggest the Japanese on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (+19.5) 1.90, Sunbet (+18.5) 1.86 and Playabets (+18.5) 1.90
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.
