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Japan vs Samoa Predictions - Japan can keep their World Cup hopes alive with victory
Listen
- Watch Japan vs Samoa in the Rugby World Cup on Thursday (21:00 SAST)
- Samoa narrowly beat the Brave Blossoms in their last encounter
- Can Japan keep their quarter-final hopes alive?
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Japan can upset the odds against Samoa (Getty Images)
Japan vs Samoa Preview
This is a massive encounter which is effectively a knockout game. The loser may still have to play a game, but they can no longer qualify. In a warm-up game prior to the tournament Samoa won by two points so this should be very close yet again.
- Japan vs Samoa Preview
- Head to Head
- Japan Form
- Japan Injuries & Team News
- Samoa Form
- Samoa Injuries & Team News
It is hard to predict but I fancy Japan to sneak over the line here. That should also make the group even more interesting with a clash against Los Pumas to come.
- Japan lost their last match 34-12 to England.
- Samoa beat Japan by 2 points in their last encounter.
- Samoa lost their last match 19-10 to Argentina.
Head to Head
Prior to the 2023 Rugby World Cup Samoa defeated Japan 24-22 away from home.
Japan Form
Japan have not reached the heights of 2015 and 2019 yet but they still have a team capable of producing some superb rugby. Unfortunately, their form has not backed this up recently.
The Brave Blossoms saw off a spirted Chile side in their opening game, getting the crucial bonus point win along the way. They however faltered against England, losing 34-12.
It was only in the final 20 minutes that England pulled away against Japan so that is something to hold onto. However, if Japan are to progress, this is a must-win game for them.
Japan Injuries & Team News
Japan will not be taking any chances in this must-win encounter. They will select their strongest available side.
Samoa Form
Samoa are tipped to upset the odds ahead of the tournament and perhaps progress to the next round. This was off the back of England’s horrid form, but thus far, Samoa have failed to make a statement.
A convincing win against Chile in their opener was just what was required. However, to progress, Samoa knew they would need to beat Argentina and/or England.
They still have England to come but Samoa suffered a 19-10 defeat to Los Pumas in their last outing. It was not a very good match at all, easily one of the worst of the competition. Samoa missed out on a losing bonus point, too.
That said, both Samoa and Japan can still progress, however, the loser in this fixture may as well pack their bags.
Samoa Injuries & Team News
A full-strength side from Samoa is expected.
Verdict
Japan are backed in the handicap market and to win the encounter.
Japan +4
Handicap
@2,00 - 4 Units
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Japan Win
Full Time Result
@2,62 - 2 Units
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He has always had a great passion for sport and this led him into the world of sports journalism, while coaching on the side. Since 2012 Ralph has worked as a journalist and covered many topics from business to sport.
Over the last seven years he has interviewed numerous top rugby and cricket players and coaches in South Africa.
Ralph has been betting on sports for the last ten years. He’s knowledgeable on numerous topics including football, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf.
He supports Manchester United (football), Cheetahs (rugby), Knights (cricket) and has a newly found appreciation for Dominic Thiem on the tennis courts.
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