Scotland and ireland start their World Cup adventure in Yokohama on Sunday in game which could determine who finishes top of Pool A, even at this early stage of the tournament.
Joe Schmidt’s Ireland facet have endured a pretty rotten run since beating New Zealand although despite several performances that they input the World Cup as the planet’s number one rated side.
The men in green regained their confidence with victories over Wales, which saw the return of a couple of important men notably reigning World Player of the Year Johnny Sexton.
But before this crucial battle, Schmidt has been made to shuffle his pack to powerful backs Keith Earls, Rob Kearney and Robbie Henshaw — all of whom boast an abundance of expertise with injuries. Andew Conway and the fascinating Jordan Larmour will now get their opportunity to shine on the biggest stage .
The midfield watch’s Duncan Taylor and Sam Johnson start together for just the second time, although gregor Townsend has gone because of his attempted and tested on the entire. Much of Scotland’s success will hinge on the performances of Finn Russell, who was majestic in the epic comeback at Twickenham — if he could fire anybody cans trouble.
After exiting the Six Nations fixture early and missing the rest of the competition, Stuart Hogg is termed at full-back in a three which contains two additional British Lions in Tommy Seymour and Sean Maitland.
Conditions look set to be humid and wet in Yokohama and it’s going to be intriguing to observe just two sides with such contrasting designs manage this.
My single bet for this game centres around Conor Murra,y among the world’s best scrum-halves, with a good hit rate against the Scots. Near the line there are not many number nines at getting low and forcing score.
Given his record along with also the conditions that are anticipated, I enjoy Murray’s sniping ability to score across the fringes and 5/1 anytime appears slightly too large when taking his record. ??
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