Stephen Ferris is expecting comfortable wins for Ireland and England in this weekend’s November international series tests.
For Ireland, they face Fiji this Saturday at the Aviva Stadium after defeating South Africa, while England will be hoping to bounce back from their shock defeat over Argentina when they face Japan in Twickenham.
After a bruising encounter last weekend, Ireland have made several changes but have named an exciting line-up. Jeremy Loughman makes his first start at loosehead prop, while Tadhg Furlong captains the side,
Jimmy O’Brien makes his first start at full-back, while there could be debuts for Jack Crowley and Cian Prendergast off the bench.
In an important game for some of the squad as they get one of the final opportunities to impress Andy Farrell ahead of the World Cup, expect an open game against an always entertaining Fiji side.
MACK HANSEN! ☘️
That is a stunning Irish try!!#IREvSA | #ANS pic.twitter.com/zPXM9FqSWj— Virgin Media Sport (@VMSportIE) November 5, 2022
In partnership with Ladbrokes.com, Stephen Ferris has warned that Fiji are capable of producing moments of magic at any given time in the game, Ireland should have too much for them in the second half.
“Fiji hang in there in a lot of games, usually starting off 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.
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.”
Ferris Predicts: Ireland to win by 21-25 points at 11/2.
Turning the attention to Twickenham, Eddie Jones is under huge pressure in a disappointing 2022 for England. A disappointing Six Nations, followed by last weekend’s shock defeat to Argentina has England in crisis mode less than a year out from the World Cup.
Wonderful work from Argentina 🇦🇷
They're now ahead in this #AutumnNationsSeries clash! 👏#ENGvARG pic.twitter.com/bHuqdNLmUj— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 6, 2022
Japan will be full of confidence after a narrow defeat to New Zealand two weeks ago, and have players in their backline to cause England some real problems in the game, and will look to take advantage of a very vulnerable England side.
However, Stephen Ferris expects England to rely on their power game and turn to their experienced players to get a much-needed victory.
“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.”
Ferris Predicts: England to win by 11-20 points at 11/4.
SEE ALSO: Stephen Ferris Praises Stuart McCloskey After Return To Irish Side Ahead Of Fiji Clash
