A Japan outfit reeling from a two-point home defeat to Georgia will need a big improvement if they are to overturn a confident Italy unit at Sapporo Dome on Sunday.
Japan v Italy
Sunday 21 July 2024 | 07:05
Sapporo Dome, Hokkaido
The Japanese have endured a bit of a horror start under Eddie Jones’ second coming following home losses against England and Georgia. They now have a shot at redemption against an improving Italian outfit. Shaun Goosen previews.
To Win Match
Japan 5/2 | Draw 25/1 | Italy 3/10
Handicap
Japan (+8.5) 9/10 | Italy (-8.5) 9/10
Eddie Jones is yet to taste victory on his return to the Japan Test setup after falling to both England and Georgia in his first two games back. With recently departed Jamie Joseph having enjoyed a lengthy and successful spell as Brave Blossoms boss, the side’s latest results may simply be growing pains as the players seek to adapt to Jones’ playing vision.
Sunday’s clash offers the hosts their last shot at claiming a win before the end of year Tests, with those matchups against the All Blacks, France and another against the English meaning there’s every possibility the team could finish 2024 winless. That will place even more pressure on Japan to get over the line here against an Azzurri outfit who played very well against Tonga last week.
That result, a 36-14 win in the Tongan capital of Nuku’alofa, came after a surprising loss in Samoa that saw Gonzalo Quesada’s men surrender a 25-15 second-half lead to ultimately succumb 25-33 in Apia. Their Six Nations form and momentum from last week should see them outplay the hosts in Sapporo.
Verdict: Italy 3/10
Get on the Italians to pile on the pain for Japan.
