Stephen Ferris previews Saturday’s games involving Ireland and England

Some high-quality rugby was produced in last week’s games, and I’m expecting more of the same when the Southern Hemisphere teams lock horns with their Northern Hemisphere rivals once again this weekend.

The last time these two teams met it was a very tight game, with Ireland edging it 23-20, so why does this game have a 28-point handicap? I certainly think the margin is very generous, but Ireland have won 15 of their last 17 international matches and are ranked number one in the world. They take on the Fijians on the back of a fine display against current world champions South Africa and are a team gelling well with swagger and confidence to match.

There are several changes to the Ireland team which doesn’t come as a surprise. Jeremy Loughman is maybe the only left- field selection as he gets game time ahead of Cian Healy, but apart from that we all expected to see Joey Carberry start alongside a few of the other lads that warmed the bench last weekend against the Springboks. Andy Farrell will demand the same level of performance from this group of players and if it doesn’t quite happen for them on the day, then expect the Fijians to pounce.

Fiji hang in there in a lot of games, usually starting strongly and scoring a couple of tries that give them some belief. However, it’s always the same old story; a lack of discipline which usually leads to yellow cards, and a lack of fitness both physically and mentally which always costs them in the final quarter.

We know Fiji have so many talented players, so it’s about head coach Vern Cotter getting them firing together and retaining possession long enough to really trouble the top teams. What Fiji lack in organisation and squad depth, they make up for in raw power, pace,and skill. Expect Fiji to get on the scoreboard in Dublin and rattle a few Irish cages. They will have many of us glued to the TV because of the talented in the squad, but don’t expect Fiji to win.

Prediction: Ireland to win by 21-25 points at 11/2

Rob Herring to score first try at 8/1

England v Japan (Sat, 3.15pm)

There will be many eyes on the game at Twickenham. After a very surprising result last week in England’s defeat to Argentina, it’s now time to silence some of the critics and get back to winning ways.

England played Japan in 2018 and won 35-15, but it wasn’t all plain sailing as England made a second-half comeback to see off the Brave Blossoms. Both teams have played a lot of rugby since their last meeting and of course England are big favourites. However, Eddie Jones’ side are a team struggling for form and are increasingly becoming a media target because there is always the expectation that they should win every game.

The handicap for this one is 19 points. Japan lost by seven points to New Zealand in their last game and by five in their previous game against France. So, the 19-point margin looks like a decent option.

England have mixed and matched with their team selection this week. Jones is feeling the heat after last week’s loss and another defeat this week could possibly see the highest-paid international coach in world rugby lose his job less than a year out from the Rugby World Cup. It’s not worth thinking about if you’re an English fan – or is it?

This English side should have too much power with the likes of Ellis Genge, Kyle Sinckler and Maro Itoje to name a few. The Japanese will get it tight up front but do expect them to run the ball and showcase some of their skill sets. A very talented bunch of players will take the pitch at Twickenham and it should be a terrific game for the neutral fan.

Look out for Tevita Tatafu and Kazuki Himeno in the back row as they are very destructive players. If Japan are to run England close or sneak a result, then these two will go a long way in deciding it. Japan need to live up to their name of the Brave Blossoms and really take it to England from minute one. If they sit back on their heels, it could be a long afternoon.

Prediction: England to win by between 11-20 points at 11/4

Ellis Genge to score first try at 18/1

Other games being played on Saturday:

Italy vs Australia: Australia -14 at 10/11

Wales vs Argentina: Wales -1 at 10/11

France vs South Africa: South Africa +5 at 10/11

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