Japan vs Samoa
Japan play host to Samoa in this friendly international match. The home side will be desperate to end their losing streak, having lost to a New Zealand XV over the last two weekends. The home side were much better in the second match as they improved both in attack and defence.
The Samoans will be looking to stamp their authority early in the match with their trademark big hits in defence. They have struggled in attack recently but will be hoping the selection of former Wallaby playmaker Christian Lealiifano will provide the missing link in attack.
TIP: Japan will be looking for consistency in selection and will not want to make too many changes in this match while the Samoans will be rusty as this is their first international of the season. The introduction of players like Christian Lealiifano and Tim-Nanai Williams will boost the hopes of the visitors significantly as they bring a wealth of experience, having played in leagues across the globe. The bookies have Japan as favourites and I’m also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.14, Gbets 1.15 and Hollywoodbets 1.14
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Japan vs Samoa
- Japan have won the last three matches between the sides.
- The last time Samoa beat Japan was way back in 1999.
Latest results for both teams
Japan lost 41-27 to a New Zealand XV in their last match while Samoa beat Romania 22-0 in their last match.
PREDICTION
The Japan team will be looking to play their high tempo game where they avoid too many rucks with interplay between the backs and forwards. This style of play is perfectly suited to players like Kotaro Matsushima who loves running the ball from his fullback position. The Samoan team will need to be accurate with their out of hand kicking as the Japanese have a back three that love to counter attack. The visitors seem to have the upper hand in the forwards and will be looking to their front row to gain them penalties at scrum time. I am backing the Japanese to win by more than 16 points.
Probable Starting XVs
Japan
15 Kotaro Matsushima, 14 Jone Naikabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Ryoto Nakamura, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Seungsin Lee, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Kazuki Himeno, 7 Shota Fukui, 6 Jack Cornelsen, 5 Amato Fakatava, 4 James Moore, 3 Jiwon Gu, 2 Shota Horie, 1 Keita Inagaki,
Samoa
15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Belgium Tuatagaloa, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 11 Ed Fidow, 10 Christian Lealiifano, 9 Scott Malolua, 8 Afaesetiti Amosa, 7 Jack Lam (captain), 6 Thomas Ioane, 5 Kane Leaupepe, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 3 Michael Alaalatoa, 2 Ray Niuia, 1 Jordan Lay.
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Japan victory are as follows:
Betway 1.14
Gbets 1.15
Hollywoodbets 1.14
Odds comparison on the Japan handicap:
The complete odds on the Japan handicap:
Betway 1.95 (-14.5)
Gbets 1.95 (-14.5)
Hollywoodbets 2.00 (-14.5)
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Japan outright win but if you looking for better odds then we suggest the home team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.95 (-14.5), Gbets 1.95 (-14.5) and Hollywoodbets 2.00 (-14.5)
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Japan vs Samoa
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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.
