Ireland take on Russia Thursday morning @ 11:15am and are 53-point favourites on the handicap.
What could possibly go wrong, eh? Eh?
Seeing as things can only get better, Ireland will undoubtedly get back on the old horse and beat the ‘Bears’ convincingly.
However, we want to make up for the Japanese defeat by putting some money in your pockets.
Just four of Ireland’s starting XV against Japan will be in the starting line-up against Russia: Peter O’Mahony, Keith Earls, Garry Ringrose and Rob Kearney.
Indeed, Ringrose and Kearney were the try-scorers for Ireland against Japan, while In the Rugby World Cup 2011, against Russia, Keith Earls ran in a pair of tries and Rob Kearney was also among the try-scorers.
However, as the first part of the double, we are looking at the man who will be leading Ireland. Jonathan Sexton, the Leinster number 10 and all-round angry man, is back and he is going to be looking to put down a marker early.
His mindset will be key to getting us over the line on this one. Ireland are going to come out of the blocks fast and force Russia into early errors to get the scoreboard moving as soon as they can.
Sexton will have the bit between his teeth – and the first penalty of the day, (which should go to Ireland) will go to the corner.
Next, the maul drive. Who is at the end of those? Yep, the hooker. Niall Scannell is 11/1 for the first try and should all of the above come about, it will make for one pretty-looking cure for that rugby hangover you’e have had since Saturday.
Scannell scoring will get us going bananas in the office and we won’t care who is looking, but we need the first part of the double to come up too.
Verdict: Niall Scannell to score the first try @ 11/1.
Georgia v Fiji, 06:15
Earlier on Thursday morning, Fiji take on Georgia at 06:15am. This is the meeting of two completely different cultures in rugby. One is about brutality and forward power, the other is speed and pure beauty.
Fiji have made 11 changes to the XV that lost to Uruguay, in what was the biggest shock at the World Cup until Ireland said, “hold my beer.”
Thirteen of the XV who started against Australia in their opening game, return for this match. One of those is Peceli Yato.
The man who had the potential to be the star of this tournament, returns after missing the Uruguay match with concussion. (Damn you Hodge!). In his 26 minutes on the pitch, Yato scored a try and made 81 metres in carries.
You can see where we’re going here with Yato to score a try in 80 mins at 15/8. Should both click, we won’t even remember this Saturday morning – never mind last!
Verdict: Peceli Yato to score anytime @ 15/8.
*Prices correct at time pf publishing and the double pays approx 33/1 at these prices
See if your ruck is in with all the latest Rugby World Cup odds on PP.com