Fiji vs Japan Predictions & Tips - Fiji to seal Pacific Nations Cup title

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 19 Sep 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 19 Sep 2024

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Fiji predicted to cover the -3 handicap vs Japan in the final.
Both teams expected to field unchanged lineups.
Match expected to be high-scoring due to the attacking style of both teams.

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Fiji too good in PNC final (Getty Images)

Fiji vs Japan Predictions

This should be a cracking Pacific Nations Cup final with both teams playing some lovely attacking rugby. It is Fiji who have the edge for me though considering Japan’s defensive record in the tournament. I foresee a high scoring game, but Fiji should have enough to cover the -3 handicap.

Fiji vs Japan Predictions
Head to Head
Fiji Form
Fiji Injuries & Team News
Japan Form
Japan Injuries & Team News

Fiji have won 4 of their last 5 matches.
Fiji won their last match against Japan.
Japan have lost 4 of their last 7 matches.

Head to Head

Fiji has dominated this fixture with 15 wins in 19 matches against Japan. They last met in August 2023, a match Fiji won 35-12.

Fiji Form

Fijian rugby is possibly in the best place it has ever been in at the moment. They did superbly to reach the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 where they eventually lost narrowly to England.

They then beat Georgia in July this year before losing to New Zealand. Fiji began the Pacific Nations Cup wit a 42-16 success against Samoa before thrashing Tonga 50-19.

In the semi-final against the USA last weekend, Fiji were not at their best, winning the match 22-3.

Fiji Injuries & Team News

Fiji should remain relatively unchanged for the final.

Japan Form

Japanese rugby has been on a growth spurt since their dramatic 2015 Rugby World Cup win over South Africa. This week actually marked the nine-year anniversary of that dramatic game.

However, over the last few years, Japan have stagnated somewhat. They are still a very competitive side, but they have not quite kicked on after their home World Cup in 2019.

That said, the Brave Blossoms have been good in the Pacific Nations Cup. They beat Canada 55-28 before downing the USA 41-24 in the group stage.

Last week, in the semi-final, Japan dominated Samoa, winning 49-27. They clearly that no issue scoring points, but defensively they have been found wanting and they don’t want to create that scenario against Fiji.

Japan Injuries & Team News

I expect no unforced changes to the Japan side this weekend.

Verdict

Fiji v Japan

I am backing Fiji to cover the -3 handicap against Japan in the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup final.

Fiji -3

Handicap

@10/11 - 5 Units

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