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Japan vs France Betting Tips - France backed for comfortable Nations Championship win over Japan

ralph-staniforth
Editor
Last updated: Fri 17 Jul 2026 00:20
France looks set for a convincing victory against Japan in their upcoming Nations Championship match. After a narrow loss to New Zealand and an impressive second-half performance to beat Australia, France is second in the table and brimming with confidence. Historical form favors France, who have never lost to Japan and won their last four meetings. With Japan struggling defensively and France expected to make squad rotations, the prediction is for France to not only win but clear the -27.5 handicap easily.
Ralph Staniforth 4 hours ago
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  • France have never lost to Japan—winning all 8 previous meetings.
  • Les Bleus are in strong form after a big win over Australia.
  • France expected to cover the -27.5 handicap against Japan.
France
France have an excellent record over Japan (Getty Images)
 
France narrowly lost out to New Zealand in round one but bounced back with a superb second half display to see off Australia last weekend. They should see off Japan with comfort, though, they could make wholesale changes to their side.

Key Stats - France Should Dominate


  • France have won 7 of their last 9 fixtures.
  • France have won 4 consecutive matches against Japan. 
  • Japan have lost 6 of their last 8 games.  
  • Japan lost to France by 40 points in 2024.

France have Never Lost to Brave Blossoms


France and Japan have met on eight occasions with France winning each one.

Japan Pleased with Performances


Japan hosted Ireland in their second Nations Championship match last weekend, losing 36-26 at home after trailing 19-13 at the break.

Before that, the Brave Blossoms had a perfect start to their campaign, beating Italy 27-10.

Japan occupy fourth place in the Southern Hemisphere table with four points from two matches.

Japan have been in decent nick during the competition, but face a tough challenge when they host France this weekend, as they lost to their opponents by 40 points in 2024.

France Looking to Close Third Round with a Win


France produced an excellent second half of rugby in their Nations Championship match against Australia last weekend, winning 42-26 away from home after trailing their hosts 21-12 at half-time. 

Before that victory, France travelled to face New Zealand in their opening fixture, losing 34-32 away from home. 

Les Bleus are in second place in the Northern Hemisphere table with seven points from two games. 

France will be pleased with their second-half performance last weekend, and will fancy their chances of securing all the points on offer, as they have defeated Japan four times in a row.

Japan vs France Squads


Japan

Forwards: Hayate Era, Mamoru Harada, Kenji Sato, Yota Kamimori, Takato Okabe, Sojiro Otsuka, Izi Sword, Shuhei Takeuchi, Keijiro Tamefusa, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns, Harry Hockings, Michael Stolberg, Tiennan Costley, Ben Gunter, Esei Ha'angana, Michael Leitch, Waisake Raratubua, Kanji Shimokawa

Backs: Takuro Hojo, Itsuki Kamimura, Naoto Saitō, Haruto Watanabe, Ryunosuke Ito, Shinya Komura, Samisoni Tua, Yuya Hirose, Shōgo Nakano, Dylan Riley, Inoke Burua, Kippei Ishida, Haruto Kida, Kazuma Ueda, Takuro Matsunaga, Shunsuke Uenobo

France

Forwards: Maxime Lamothe, Barnabé Massa, Peato Mauvaka, Moses Alo-Emile, Demba Bamba, Sipili Falatea, Régis Montagne, Jefferson Poirot, Tevita Tatafu, Reda Wardi, Hugo Auradou, Mickaël Guillard, Emmanuel Meafou, Boris Palu, Tom Staniforth, Florian Verhaeghe, Pierre Bochaton, Esteban Capilla, Marko Gazzotti, Oscar Jégou, Temo Matiu, Lenni Nouchi, Alexandre Roumat, Killian Tixeront

Backs: Paul Graou, Nolann Le Garrec, Maxime Lucu, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Hastoy, Romain Ntamack, Fabien Brau-Boirie, Auguste Cadot, Nicolas Depoortère, Émilien Gailleton, Kalvin Gourgues, Yoram Moefana, Théo Attissogbe, Mathis Ferté, Théo Forner, Aaron Grandidier-Nkanang, Damian Penaud, Max Spring

Verdict

France will have too much firepower for Japan and are tipped to cover the -27.5 handicap in their Nations Championship match.

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ralph-staniforth
Ralph Staniforth

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Ralph is a passionate sports journalist and coach based in Cape Town. Find his coverage across the biggest rugby union and cricket events. 

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