Scotland in Japan
Japan produced arguably the greatest shock in sporting history when they stunned two-time World Champions South Africa in the Rugby World Cup back in September of last year, they crashed to a 42-10 defeat in their following game against Scotland however, and that scoreboard damage was enough to make them the only team to win 3 pool games to miss out on a place in the knockout stages.
Many thought Japan's fitness would see them beat the Scots but the four day turnaround proved too be just too soon as they crashed in the second half. Scotland advanced along with South Africa, who picked themselves up to easily win their remaining pool games. Whilst it didn't prove to be the success that Japan's coach at that time Eddie Jones envisaged, it was a superb tournament for the brave blossoms and established them as a top ten rugby side.
How much they can build on that will be revealed in this tour. Whilst winning the Asia Rugby Championship for the 16th time in 17th doesn't seem especially special, this was an incredible performance. Last year they failed to win all four games and only managed 160 points across the four games, conceding 40. This season that improved to 242 scored and 23 conceded with a clean sweep of victories. Already progress.
Scotland have had a good year by their standards too. That stolen victory against Australia in the World Cup led to five fine performances in the Six Nations which earned them two very deserved victories against France and Italy. The loss of Finn Russell is a blow but they have a lot of strength in depth in the fly-half position. Domestically, they haven't had an amazing season but saw Glasgow reach the Pro12 semi finals playing typically attractive rugby and will be very pleased by the way their foreign based players played. Tim Visser had a wonderful season at Quins, Greig Laidlaw shined for Gloucester in the back end of the season and Richie Gray has been integral in the success of Castres this season in the French Top 14.
Japan have beaten Wales, Italy and South Africa all in the last three years so it would be difficult to completely rule out victory. They have the opportunity of a warm-up game before as well against Canada so will be ready to go when Scotland arrive. Ultimately though, I think Scotland could only lose if they took their eye off the boil and with it being a two test series can't afford to for either test. I don't believe they will and have a great record on tour and in away games so I would back them to do the double and keep up the positive spirit into next Autumn.
Scotland to win 0-2
Japan produced arguably the greatest shock in sporting history when they stunned two-time World Champions South Africa in the Rugby World Cup back in September of last year, they crashed to a 42-10 defeat in their following game against Scotland however, and that scoreboard damage was enough to make them the only team to win 3 pool games to miss out on a place in the knockout stages. Many thought Japan's fitness would see them beat the Scots but the four day turnaround proved too be just too soon as they crashed in the second half. Scotland advanced along with South Africa, who picked themselves up to easily win their remaining pool games. Whilst it didn't prove to be the success that Japan's coach at that time Eddie Jones envisaged, it was a superb tournament for the brave blossoms and established them as a top ten rugby side.
How much they can build on that will be revealed in this tour. Whilst winning the Asia Rugby Championship for the 16th time in 17th doesn't seem especially special, this was an incredible performance. Last year they failed to win all four games and only managed 160 points across the four games, conceding 40. This season that improved to 242 scored and 23 conceded with a clean sweep of victories. Already progress.
Scotland have had a good year by their standards too. That stolen victory against Australia in the World Cup led to five fine performances in the Six Nations which earned them two very deserved victories against France and Italy. The loss of Finn Russell is a blow but they have a lot of strength in depth in the fly-half position. Domestically, they haven't had an amazing season but saw Glasgow reach the Pro12 semi finals playing typically attractive rugby and will be very pleased by the way their foreign based players played. Tim Visser had a wonderful season at Quins, Greig Laidlaw shined for Gloucester in the back end of the season and Richie Gray has been integral in the success of Castres this season in the French Top 14.
Japan have beaten Wales, Italy and South Africa all in the last three years so it would be difficult to completely rule out victory. They have the opportunity of a warm-up game before as well against Canada so will be ready to go when Scotland arrive. Ultimately though, I think Scotland could only lose if they took their eye off the boil and with it being a two test series can't afford to for either test. I don't believe they will and have a great record on tour and in away games so I would back them to do the double and keep up the positive spirit into next Autumn.
Scotland to win 0-2
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