Whisper it quietly, but Scotland are becoming a very useful
team and they can kickstart their November campaign with a good win against
Japan at Murrayfield today. Scott Johnson’s replacement of Andy Flower was met
with trepidation by many but his tenure has been an undisputed success and
leaves a side that was in turmoil following last year’s defeat to Tonga looking
forward to next year’s 6 Nations in good health.
Third this year, Scotland didn’t disgrace themselves against
England or Wales and showed nerve, nous and skill in equal composure when
beating Ireland and Italy to gain third in the table this year, efforts they
backed up in no uncertain terms in South Africa later this year – with a win
against Australia in the pouring rain for good measure - with a strong showing against both Tonga and
the Springboks in the summer’s Quadrangular tournament.
Playing from the back far more effectively than under
Robinson – who did try his level best to implement a watchable style – Scotland
field a no nonsense side that includes Sean Maitland, Matt Scott, and Greig
Laidlaw in a backline that combines pace and power.
A bigger issue for the Cherry Blossoms is a seriously
charged pack with a front row of Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, and Euan Murray which
could dominate the Cherry Blossom pack from start to finish while Dave Denton,
Kelly Brown, and Al’s Strokosch and Kellock can create more than enough ball
for Greig Laidlaw and the rest of the backline to work with.
Japan have come on leaps and bounds and were commendable
against a strong New Zealand side last week despite their 54-6 defeat but Scotland were the first side to score
three tires against them since August 2011 last year and look to have enough
class to cover a generous mark of 18 posted by Sportingbet.
Advice
3 pts Scotland -18 (8/11 Sportingbet)
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