Japan vs Wales Prediction: Cherry Blossoms to bloom on home soil

Japan will take on Wales in the second of their summer Test series on Saturday when the two teams meet at the Noevir Stadium Kobe (06:50 BST, BBC iPlayer/S4C). The Cherry Blossoms won the first meeting 24-19 last week, scoring a late try to triumph in the searing heat of Kitakyushu. Wales led 19-7 at the break, but they failed to maintain their lead in the difficult conditions.

Saturday's match is expected to be played under a closed roof at the Noevir Stadium Kobe, which should make life even tougher for both teams. Below are my Japan vs Wales predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau has been ruled out of the second Test, having left the field in the first match due to "heat-related cramps".

He is replaced by Aaron Wainwright, while fly-half Dan Edwards starts in place of Sam Costelow. Prop Archie Griffin starts over Keiron Assiratti, who drops out of the squad, while Freddie Thomas replaces Ben Carter, who has been ruled out with a concussion.

Japan head coach Eddie Jones makes five changes to his team after the first Test, with Faulua Makisi and Keijiro Tamefusa replacing Amato Fakatava and Shuhei Takeuchi in the forwards.

Naoto Saito is back at scrumhalf, forcing Shinobu Fujiwara to the bench. Takuro Matsunaga misses out through injury, meaning Ichigo Nakakusu starts at full-back, while Halatoa Vailea will start on the wing.

Japan vs Wales Odds

Wales are 4/9 favourites for Saturday's meeting in Kobe, with the tie 18/1, while Japan are 19/10.

Japan are 20/21 to cover the +6 handicap and 17/10 to win in the Draw No Bet market.

Match Result - Japan @ 19/10

The prices for Saturday's game make this bet a no-brainer, with Wales in torrid form of late.

Interim coach Matt Sherratt watched his side lose their 18th consecutive Test match last week and if they lose on Saturday, they will be the first tier-one nation to lose 19 Test games in a row.

That pressure will no doubt take its toll on Wales, who are without their captain and leader Faletau.

They were always expected to struggle due to the heat and this Saturday's game is going to be just as tough on the bodies of the touring party.

With Edwards handed his first start at fly-half, Wales would love to play with freedom, but the sheer pressure on their shoulders and the humidity is likely to force them to play within themselves.

Japan are certainly not world-beaters, but the conditions suit them better and the price of 19/10 is tremendous value for a home win.

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