Sunday is the busiest day of the 2019 Rugby World Cup as it features four games including a likely winner take all clash between Scotland and hosts Japan.
Japan vs. Scotland – International Stadium Yokohama, Yokohama
The biggest game of the day and the biggest game in the history of Japanese rugby. This is a game World Rugby simply has to find a way to get played given the stakes and quart-final aspirations of both teams that are involved. It is a fascinating clash that the industrious Japanese face a big test in a Scottish side that is far more expansive with the ball than anyone they have played in the pool so far. This willingness to pass the ball in open play – plus the exceptional kicking games of the Scotland halves – makes this a fascinating matchup.
Best Bet – The point spread for this one is just 2.5, meaning that BetXchange thinks that there is less than a penalty difference between the two sides at this venue. Japan have the ability to win this outright so we are backing them to cover at 0.90.
USA vs. Tonga – Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
The USA have made three changes to the team that lost 47-17 to Argentina as they search for a much-needed tournament win. Will Hooley comes into the side at fullback after an impressive bench showing against the Pumas, but the USA must clean up their game and make simple things look simple if they are to have any chance against Tonga on just four-days rest.
Tonga came close to beating France last Sunday in a game they lost 23-21. That is far closer to a win than the USA has seen in Japan. The big news is that this will be the final game for captain Siale Piutau who has announced he is to retire at the conclusion of Sunday’s match.
Best Bet – The four-day turnaround would be bad for the USA against anyone, let alone a physical and hard-hitting Tongan team. Take Tonga -4.5 points at 0.90 with BetXchange.
Wales vs. Uruguay – Kumamoto Stadium, Kumamoto
The Uruguayan win over an admittedly understrength Fiji was one of the biggest shocks of the tournament. The Uruguayans close out their campaign with a match against a Welsh side who have expectations of staying in Japan for a least couple more rounds. Warren Gatland has made 13 changes to his side for this one, getting in some newer players to look at lineup combinations and, importantly resting his frontline players for a likely quarter-final against France. Justin Tipuric captains the side in the absence of Alun Wyn Jones.
Best Bet – Wales will have this game won by half time, but they will struggle to cover the 43.5 point spread with all the changes they have made. Look for Uruguay to do enough to cover that number at 0.90 with BetXchange.
Namibia vs. Canada – Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium, Iwate
It is not unfair to say that this is the World Cup final for these two Tier-two nations. In a pool with South Africa, New Zealand, and Italy, this is the game both have had targeted as a winnable game from the moment pools were announced. The two lowest-ranked teams in the tournament will clash with Namibia looking to win their first-ever game at a World Cup.
Namibia will fancy their chances of beating Canada for the first time ever after losing the five previous games between the two. They have scored 34 points in the tournament – including 22 against Italy – while Canada have only mustered a total of 14 points in their three games so far.
Best Bet – The betting market suggests this will be a close game with both teams available to win straight up at 0.95 with BetXchange. Take Namibia to win one of the closest games of the tournament so far.
