Rugby World Cup Preview – 11.15 am kick off
Scotland have come in for some heavy stick after just one game of their 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign. That is because they lost 27-3 against Ireland in their big clash in pool A of the tournament. It leaves them with an uphill battle now to get a qualification spot and have to take down Samoa.
Scotland v Samoa odds*
 |
1 | X | 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 40/1 | 13/2 |
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on September 26th, 2019 at 10:12 pm)
Rugby World Cup betting at Bet365
Table of Contents
Scotland v Samoa Preview
Just three points scored in their opening fixture was a shocker for Scotland. They just never showed up in any department. They were second best to everything, couldn’t get any kind of momentum going and didn’t look like threatening Ireland’s dominance at any time of the fixture. It was just a massive disappointment, and all criticism thrown at their defence, justified.
Now the question is, can they turn all the negatives from that opening match into a positive? Scotland lacked an edge in the physical department against Ireland, no question. They have to be more competitive in that area because Samoa are a big, powerful, physical side. At the last World Cup, Scotland faced Samoa and the Pacific Islanders made a strong start.
Scotland, in what was a must-win match to qualify from the pool stages, were saved by a converted try inside the final ten minutes. Samoa are a big, physical defensive team. They won their opener against Russia but had two players sent to the sin-bin in the match for some high hits. Either or both could have easily been red cards. They have the running power to breach what has so far this year, looked like a pretty flimsy Scotland defence.
Scotland v Samoa Betting Tip
Samoa outright at 13/2
* (betting odds taken from bet365 on September 26th, 2019 at 10:12 pm)
Scotland v Samoa Prediction
In the last decade, the two nations have met each other five times, Scotland winning four of those. The last three have been really high scoring ones. None of Scotland’s wins over the Pacific Islanders in that sequence were by a margin of more than six points.
Right now it wouldn’t take a lot for Scottish heads to drop. A blistering quick start from Samoa, which they are more than capable with, could easily knock the stuffing out of their northern hemisphere opponents. They should have the physical edge. Scotland are there for the taking, an underdog upset could be on.
