Japan vs Scotland is on . . .

The game between Namibia and Canada has been cancelled due to the typhoon but the remaining Sunday games are all on including the crunch game between Japan and Scotland that will determine the Springboks opponents in their quarterfinal match next weekend.

Whoever thought a game of rugby between Japan and Scotland would be such a massive event? Apart from the qualifying battle in Pool A and the right to play the Springboks or the All Blacks in the quarterfinals , there's been added drama with Scotland threatening to sue World Rugby if the game was cancelled. Thankfully it won't come to that now but it's become the most anticipated match of the pool stages.

My head says Scotland, my heart says Japan.

Goooo Japan!

I think on the record thus far and the fact that playing conditions will be difficult I favour Japan in this case,   The Japanese lost against Ireland by a wide margin and Ireland lost against Japan.   They are in their home country.   If they manage a draw they will still be top of the log of Pool A.  A loss by less than seven points will still leave them above Scotland on the log , but means their next match will mean a game against New Zealand.  I would think the crowd will be a massive support for Japan and that will further motivate the players.   Only a bonus point win will put Scotland ahead of Japan on the log. 

Scotland must surely be favourites to beat Scotland. 

'Your head says Scotland.....your ...er ...heart says Japan'. What a chiché! And poor Scotland,  I could tell in the first half the old nobble was in place.