Jeux Olympiques - Men's Olympics Rugby
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by Devesh Jaganath | in Predictions
South Africa and Japan will look to keep their qualification hopes alive when they face off in the final group-stage match in the Olympics Rugby Sevens competition. The Blitzboks are currently third in Pool A, while Japan are fourth, both on two points. We were bang on the money on our first-round prediction for the South Africans and below are our thoughts on the next match.
Both sides are playing to remain in the race to qualify as one of the two best-third-placed teams in the tournament, while a healthy points difference is also likely to play a major factor.
South Africa put up a valiant effort in their opening match of the competition against Ireland but never really looked likely to break down the Shamrocks too often. They lost the match 10-5 with Selvyn Davids scoring their only try.
Against New Zealand, the Blitzboks were largely starved of possession and forced to defend deep in their own half for significant periods in the game. The All Blacks ran out 17-5 winners fairly easily in the end with Davids again being the only scorer for South Africans.
Up next for Boks are Japan - a side that they have beaten in 24 previous encounters dating back to 2011.
The Brave Blossoms suffered back-to-back 40-point concessions in their opening two matches while managing just five points in response against Ireland and 12 versus New Zealand in their opening match, seven more than the Boks posted against the All Blacks.
Japan showed great attacking fight with Josua Kerevi pulling the strings and if they can tighten up defensively, this could be a close match.
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South Africa - Japan Key Points
- South Africa lost their first two matches in the competition.
- South Africa only scored five points against New Zealand while Japan scored 12.
- South Africa failed to beat Japan by 23 clear points in their last two matches.
- Japan were impressive in attack in their first two games.
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Our South Africa vs Japan Prediction
While South Africa come into this match as massive favourites, we have a feeling that the line set is a little unfair to Japan, who were very impressive during the early exchanges against the All Blacks.
We do still expect the Blitzboks to win the match but feel that the Brave Blossoms will be able to keep the margin of defeat to under 23. Our South Africa vs Japan prediction: Japan +23!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
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