Ireland v Japan betting tips: Irish seek World Cup revenge
Ireland will be without their British and Irish Lions stars this weekend as we pick out some Ireland v Japan betting tips ahead of Saturday’s international.
The likes of Conor Murray, Tadhg Beirne, Bundee Aki, Tadhg Furlong and Iain Henderson are among those in South Africa as part of Warren Gatland’s squad which is also in action on Saturday against the Emirates Lions.
That gives Andy Farrell a chance to experiment with some fringe and younger players in Dublin on Saturday in a match which kicks off at 1pm.
Ireland v Japan odds
Ireland have beaten Japan in seven of their eight past encounters and are 2/9 to come out on top on Saturday, but it was the Brave Blossoms who memorably prevailed 19-12 when they last met in the 2019 World Cup pool stage at the Shizuoka Stadium in Fukuroi.
Joe Schmidt left his coaching post at the end of that campaign, with Farrell taking the reins, while only five players could take the field this weekend who started the game against Japan in Fukuroi.
Hugo Keenan admitted the shock defeat had been mentioned among the 37-strong squad, which contains 12 uncapped players, but he insisted it will have little bearing on this weekend’s clash at the Aviva Stadium.
The Leinster back said: “It’s been touched on. We said it’s a lot of different players are involved at the moment, but we do have a responsibility, as a collective, to bounce back and right the wrongs of that game.
“They’re a serious side. Obviously they got one over us in the World Cup and they put on a good performance last week against the Lions. They’re a serious, serious side so we know it’s going to be a big challenge for us.
“At the same time, it’s a new group in, new coaching staff – well, slightly altered, anyway. We’re not going to get overworked on it, we’ve got a lot of other motivations and things to be worrying about as well.”
Japan are 10/3 to cause another upset with the tie 33/1, while both sides are 10/11 in the handicap market with Ireland conceding an 11-point start.
Team news
Ireland lock James Ryan has suffered an adductor injury, although he will remain with the squad preparing for summer Tests against Japan and the United States and be assessed over the coming week.
Uncapped Ulster back Michael Lowry will also continue to train with the squad having been brought into the group for experience last week.
“James Ryan has an adductor issue and will be monitored across the week to determine his availability for the Japan game,” a squad update from the IRFU read.
“Ulster’s Michael Lowry will continue to train with the Ireland squad this week.”
Ireland are 13/8 to win by a margin of 1-12 points, while those expecting a rout can get 10/11 on the hosts to triumph by 13 points or more.
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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication
