Japan need to avoid becoming predictable,Scotland were worth the wait, Australia are not bothered about bonus points and Fiji will still enjoy a sayFor the side brimful with invention and accuracy in Brighton this was a frustrating day. Scotland stopped Japan precisely where South Africa had allowed them space to play. There was pressure at the scrummage and even more aggression in the Scottish defence’s line speed. Japan were stopped in their tracks, and their rucks ceased to be targets the forwards could hit at speed beyond the advantage line. Without momentum Japan were less precise with their passing,less able to sow confusion with their angles. They became a exiguous predictable, running and passing without making ground. They needed a exiguous variety – from the forwards – but Michael Leitch was well marked and Amanaki Mafi taken out of the equation. Without bruisers the dream could discontinuance. Eddie ButlerContinue reading...
Source: theguardian.com