Rugby World Cup Preview – 11.15 am kick-off
This will likely be a sterner test for Ireland than the one that they had in their opener against Scotland. The Scots just never showed up and the Irish sauntered to a win. In the humid conditions for this meeting at Shizuoka Stadium Ecopa, the quick Japan may pose the Irish some questions.
Japan v Ireland odds*
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/18 | 40/1 | 8/1 |
Japan 1/18
Draw 40/1
Japan 8/1
* (betting odds taken from 22bet on September 26th, 2019 at 7:24 pm)
Rugby World Cup Betting at 22Bet
Table of Contents
Japan v Ireland Preview
Japan opened their home World Cup with a good win. The Brave Blossoms took a 30-10 victory over Russia in their opener, a match played in Tokyo. That got the home fans fired up and now heading into the second round of action, Japan are level on points with Samoa and Ireland. This should be their toughest game of the group though.
Japan are a quick side when they go through the phases and they like to run the ball. The humidity could be a pretty good leveller in this one, with the host nation being used to the conditions. This will be only the third time that the two nations have met. The previous clashes were back in 2017 when the Irish toured Japan.
Ireland won both games, a 50-22 victory and a 35-13 success. The first of those meetings was in Shizuoka, where this is being held. Ireland are resting Johnny Sexton for the clash following his knock against Scotland. He doesn’t make the matchday squad. A couple of other changes that Ireland have gone with is the return of Rob Kearney and Keith Earls.
Japan v Ireland Betting Tip
Ireland -21 Handicap at 10/11
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on September 26th, 2019 at 7:24 pm)
Japan v Ireland Prediction
Japan were a little rocky early on in their opening game against Russia but eventually came good. They have left their captain Michael Leitch out of the starting fifteen for this one. Regardless, Ireland should impose themselves enough, especially offering control up front to get the victory.
