British & Irish Lions vs Japan Predictions & Tips - Japan to give rusty Lions a tough encounter

This is the first match for the Lions ahead of their tour to South Africa, which starts in July. While they will make the game as tight as possible, Japan will play at up-tempo game which could see the Lions' defensive lines tested. My pick is for Japan to finish within 19 points of their opponents on Saturday in Scotland.

This is the first meeting between the British & Irish Lions and Japan.

The British & Irish Lions tour every four years to either Australia, South Africa or New Zealand. This year the Lions travel to South Africa but face Japan in their first warm-up game before departure.

In 2017 the British & Irish Lions toured New Zealand. The tour itself was a great success despite only winning five of their 10 matches. They drew the Test series 1-1.

This will be the third tour for Warren Gatland as head coach, he has yet to lose after beating Australia 2-1 in 2013 followed by 2017’s result in the land of the long white cloud.

The Lions do not yet have their full squad available to them with the Top 14 and English Rugby Premiership finals taking place this weekend. Gatland has however still managed to name a very strong lineup.

Japan is the world’s most improved rugby side over the last decade. This improvement culminated in them reaching the quarter-final of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, which was hosted by them.

Along the way they claimed the scalps of Ireland and Scotland before losing 26-3 to South Africa. Due to COVID-19 they have not played an international since.

A couple of weeks ago the squad came together to face off against club side, Sunwolves. This was in preparation for the B&I Lions clash. They lacked cohesion as could be expected but a much improved second half display saw Japan win 32-17 at the Shizuoka Stadium.

Japan have no injury concerns so should be at full strength for this encounter.