Couch Critic previews Sunday's Rugby World Cup matches between Ireland and Scotland and England and Tonga with best bets from @Olimp_SA
It’s only the first weekend of the tournament but straight out the gate there are a few tantalising betting heats to sink our teeth into. Here’s how I see things going down on Sunday.
Ireland vs Scotland Sunday 22 September @ 09:45 (Yokohama)
What you need to know
The World Cup is a brilliant event in that we see some matchups that we don’t often get. In this case it’s a familiar all Six Nations contest as Ireland steel themselves for a clash with Scotland.
Despite the conservative nature that the Northern Hemisphere sides are know for both these teams have some exciting players in their ranks for this clash. Hogg and Russell personify everything that’s good about running rugby whilst Jacob Stockdale on the side of the Irish is tipped by many as a possible top tryscorer in the tournament. Bundee Ai and Jordan Lamour are the others that the Scots will have to watch closely.
There has been talk that Ireland’s form has dipped significantly over the past 12 months but at the same time Scotland have experienced the same drop-off but without the incredibly highs of Joe Schmidt’s team.
How I see it panning out
It is true that the Irish have seen their game slip a bit of late yet I’m sure they are going to be able to muster one proper final challenge with this group of players under Schmidt. They also come into the tournament without the spotlight too firmly on them and I see the Irish winning pool Pool A with relative ease. For this game specifically I just don’t think the Scots have the power in the pack to put Ireland under pressure.
Betolimp Best Bet: Ireland to beat the cap -8.5 @ 1.88
Special Play: Ireland 1-8 at HT/Ireland 13+ at Full time @ 8.00
England vs Tonga, Sunday 22 September @ 12:15 (Sapporo)
What you need to know
Tonga beat Canada in the recent Pacific Nations Cup but with losses to Samoa and Japan they hardly covered themselves in glory. An 85-point hammering by the All Blacks was also the last thing they needed as final prep for the big event.
Further bad news for the Tongans is that Eddie Jones has opted to unleash a strong looking squad for their opening encounter of the World Cup. The likes of Manu Tuilagi, Owen Farrell and Billy Vunipola have all been hauled out for the opener. A back-three of Daly, Watson and May will be licking their chops at the prospect of this outing.
How I see it panning out
The English are a professional outfit and along with the Springboks one feels their preparation has been methodical and precise – they will hit the ground running in Sapporo and Tonga are sure to have their hands full.
I don’t see the Poms looking past this one, they will put in a proper shift and give the Tongans a decent hiding here. The wingers are rightly fancied to score at will but keep an eye out for the big Billy V crashing over the whitewash – hopefully for us before anyone else does.
Betolimp Best Bet: England -43.5 @ 1.85
Special Play: First tryscorer – Billy Vunipola @ 17.00
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
