Japan vs Argentina Predictions: Rugby World Cup betting tips, news, lineups
Japan and Argentina do battle on Sunday for a place in the Rugby World Cup quarter-finals (8pm BST).
There is nothing to separate the sides, who are both on nine points behind leaders England after their opening three matches in Pool D.
It will be a straight shootout at Stade de la Beaujoire, with a place in the last eight on offer to the winner.
Japan vs Argentina Betting Tips
- First try to be converted – Yes @ 1/3 with Sky Bet
- Lomano Lemeki to score try at anytime @ 9/2 with Bet365
Matsuda to keep producing
You would expect very fine margins to determine the outcome of this must-win game for both sides.
Both of them will need to bring their A-game and cannot afford to be slow out of the blocks.
One player you would expect to be on it is Japan’s Rikiya Matsuda.
The fly-half has been close to flawless during this World Cup, missing just one of his 16 kicks towards the posts.
And should Japan land the first blow of the contest – whether it be through a try or kick – you would not expect to him to let them down.
Tip: First try to be converted – Yes @ 1/3 with Sky Bet
Lemeki to pick up from where he left off
Although he is still seeking his first score of this World Cup, Lemeki played a key role in Japan’s narrow win over Samoa.
The full-back turned in a solid performance as he made two line breaks, beat five defenders and carried for 154 metres – 135 of which were over the gain-line.
Lemeki also has fond memories of facing Argentina. Indeed, he scored a try on his Test debut against the Pumas back in 2016.
He will certainly be hoping for more of the same here in a bid to aid his nation’s push for a quarter-final place.
Tip: Lomano Lemeki to score try at anytime @ 9/2 with Bet365
Japan vs Argentina team news
Jamie Joseph makes just a single change from the victory over Samoa, with Siosaia Fifita replacing Jone Naikabula on the wing.
Japan XV: Lomano Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima, Dylan Riley, Ryoto Nakamura, Siosaia Fifita, Rikiya Matsuda, Naoto Saito; Keita Inagaki, Shota Horie, Jiwon Gu, Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava, Michael Leitch, Pieter Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno.
Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Amanaki Saumaki, Yutaka Nagare, Ryohei Yamanaka, Jone Naikabula.
Michael Cheika makes 11 changes from Argentina’s win over Chile, with Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez and Lucio Cinti the only players to survive.
Argentina: Juan Cruz Mallia, Emiliano Boffelli, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Mateo Carreras, Santiago Carreras, Gonzalo Bertranou; Thomas Gallo, Julian Montoya, Francisco Gomez Kodela, Guido Petti Pagadizabal, Tomas Lavanini, Pablo Matera, Marcos Kremer, Juan Martin Gonzalez.
Replacements: Agustin Creevy, Joel Sclavi, Eduardo Bello, Matias Alemanno, Pedro Rubiolo, Lautaro Bazan Velez, Nicolas Sanchez, Matias Moroni.
