Ireland v Japan predictions and rugby union tips: Expect high-scoring contest

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for Saturday's autumn international between Ireland and Japan.

Where to watch

Amazon Prime, 1pm Saturday

Best bet

Over 51.5 points
2pts 5-6 BoyleSports

Match preview

Ireland gained a degree of revenge for their 19-13 defeat to Japan at the 2019 Rugby World Cup with a 39-31 success in Dublin last summer, and we could be set for another exciting encounter in this quickfire rematch.

The hosts were without their British & Irish Lions contingent in that July meeting while Japan had gone nearly two years without a competitive fixture before taking on the Lions a week earlier, and a loose, high-scoring game was perhaps to be expected.

But Japan showed that little has changed in their make-up as they played bright, positive rugby at a high tempo, and they turned it on again in their most recent outing, a creditable 32-23 defeat to Australia.

Ireland coach Andy Farrell has always set great store in defence but there is attacking flair throughout the side and they followed the success over Japan with a 71-10 win over the USA, and their final three Six Nations matches all produced at least 50 points.

Ireland should look to win more comfortably even given Japan's constant threat, and a points total of 51.5 could well be surpassed.

Safer Gambling Week runs from November 1-7 and is an initiative that the Racing Post fully supports. The Racing Post will be playing its part in ensuring the messages of this important week are conveyed to all our customers. If you are concerned about your gambling, more details on actions to take can be found at safergamblinguk.org.