Japan vs Tonga
Japan plays host to Tonga for this match in the Pacific Cup. The home team will be anxious to bounce back from their shock defeat to Samoa last time out. They were well in control of the match until they had Michael Leitch sent off for a head high tackle. The Tongans will also be looking for an improvement from their last match as they were brushed aside 36-20 by the flying Fijians.
Both these team will need to show better discipline as they gave away a number of cheap penalties that led to easy points for the opposition.
TIP: Both teams will be showing vastly different team sheets from their last match as Japan have made six changes while the Tongans have also changed half their team. Backline stars Charles Piutau and Pita Ahki return for Tonga and the Japanese will need to keep a close eye on them. The home side have dropped their most dangerous player, Kotaro Matsushima to the bench as they look to build squad depth leading up to the World Cup. 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 1.28, Gbets 1.28 and Hollywoodbets 1.30
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Japan vs Tonga
- Tonga have won three of the last five matches against Japan
- Japan have won the last two matches between these sides.
Latest results for both teams
Japan lost 24-22 to Samoa in their last match while Tonga lost 36-20 to Fiji in their last match.
PREDICTION
Japan as always will look to play their brand of high tempo rugby that involves intricate backline moves while the Tongans will look to be more direct. The visitors have been strengthened in recent times with a few former All Blacks, Vaea Fifita and Piutau now eligible to play for them. The home team will be facing a formidable forwards pack and will look to avoid too many set pieces as the visitors seem to have the edge in the scrums and lineouts. Japan will need to be accurate with their kicking game as the Tongans are great counter attackers. I am predicting a home win by three points.
Probable Starting XVs
Japan
15 Ryohei Yamanaka, 14 Jone Naikabula, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Tomoki Osada, 11 Semisi Masirewa, 10 Seungsin Lee, 9 Naoto Saito, 8 Kazuki Himeno 7 Ben Gunter, 6 Jack Cornelsen, 5 Uwe Helu, 4 Amato Fakatava, 3 Asaeli Valu, 2 Atsushi Sakate, 1 Keita Inagaki,
Tonga
15 Charles Piutau, 14 Solomone Kata, 13 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 12 Pita Ahki, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 William Havili, 9 Sonatane Takulua (C), 8 Lopeti Timani, 7 Sione Havili Talitui, 6 Vaea Fifita, 5 Steve Mafi, 4 Halaleva Fifita, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 2 Samuela Moli, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Japan victory are as follows:
Betway 1.28
Gbets 1.28
Hollywoodbets 1.30
Odds comparison on the Tonga handicap:
The complete odds on the Tonga handicap:
Betway 1.90 (+8.5)
Gbets 1.87 (+8.5)
Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+8.5)
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 away team on the handicap. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Betway 1.90 (+8.5), Gbets 1.87 (+8.5) and Hollywoodbets 1.89 (+8.5)
Other tips for the weekend (Predicted winners are in BOLD text)
Samoa vs Fiji
Scotland vs Italy
South Africa vs Argentina
Australia vs New Zealand
Canberra Raiders vs Newcastle Knights
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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.
