Fiji vs Japan Predictions - Fiji set to secure third straight Pacific Nations Cup title

Brad Newcomb

Editor

Last updated: 24 minutes ago

Brad Newcomb 24 minutes ago

Share this article

Fiji won 8 of last 9 matches vs Japan, including two finals.
Japan have lost 3 in a row to Fiji.
Fiji tipped to cover +2.5 handicap and retain the title.

Fiji have defeated Japan in back-to-back Pacific Nations Cup finals (Getty Images)

Fiji were in solid form in their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final and have often defeated Japan over the years. Japan cruised to victory in their semi-final match but have lost back-to-back finals to the Flying Fijians.

Fiji have won 2 of their last 5 fixtures.
Fiji have won 3 consecutive matches against Japan.
Japan have won 2 of their last 5 games.
Japan have lost 8 of their last 9 matches against Fiji.

Head to Head

Fiji have a commanding lead of eight victories to one against Japan in nine meetings.

Fiji beat Japan 41-17 and 33-27 in the 2024 and 2025 Pacific Nations Cup finals.

Fiji Form

Fiji scored four tries and three conversions in the first half of their Pacific Nations Cup semi-final match against Canada last weekend to lead 26-17 at the break.

The Flying Fijians added three tries and two conversions to their points tally in the second stanza to record a comfortable 45-29 victory over Canada.

In July, the Pacific Islanders played three matches in the Nations Championship. They lost 39-24 to Wales, 73-8 to England, and 33-17 to Scotland.

Fiji returned to winning ways in their previous game and have historically defeated Japan over the years, giving them an advantage to come out on top against their opponents in the final and secure their third straight Pacific Nations Cup title.

Japan Form

Japan produced an excellent first-half display in their Pacific Nations semi-final clash against the USA last weekend, scoring five converted tries to lead 35-14 at half-time.

The Brave Blossoms scored four additional converted tries in the second half to sweep aside the USA 63-14.

Before that, the Sakuras contested three friendly internationals between August and September. They lost 35-32 and 56-17 to Australia before beating Canada 57-12.

In July, Japan started their Nations Championship campaign with a 27-10 win over Italy before losing 36-20 to Ireland and 42-15 to France.

Japan were in fine fettle in their previous fixture, but face one of their bogey teams in Fiji, having suffered eight defeats in nine clashes against the defending champions, including the last two Pacific Nations Cup finals.

Team News

Fiji

Motikai Murray scored a brace against Canada last weekend.

Kitione Salawa, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Peni Ravai, and Tevita Ikanivere contributed a try each.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula landed five conversions in the match.

Forwards: Penaia Cakobau, Tevita Ikanivere, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Mesake Doge, Vilikesa Nairau, Livai Natave, Peni Ravai, Inoke Ravuiwasa, Samu Tawake, Meli Tuni, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Mesake Vocevoce, Elia Canakaivata, Motikai Murray, Kitione Salawa Jr., Isoa Tuwai

Backs: Philip Baselala, Frank Lomani, Terio Tamani, Sam Wye, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Caleb Muntz, Maleli Nauvasi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Virimi Vakatawa, Kemu Valetini, Manasa Mataele, Joji Nasova, Isaac Ratuimatavuki-Kneepkens, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Isikeli Rabitu

Japan

Dylan Riley scored a brace against the USA last weekend.

Yuya Hirose, Michael Stolberg, Mamoru Harada, Sojiro Otsuka, Jack Cornelsen, Esei Haangana, and Sam Greene contributed a try each.

Sam Greene slotted all nine conversions in the match.

Forwards: Mamoru Harada, Kenji Sato, Sho Furuhata, Kanato Hirano, Takumi Inaba, Sena Kimura, Sojiro Otsuka, Shuhei Takeuchi, Ruan Botha, Jack Cornelsen, Harry Hockings, Michael Stolberg, Shin Takeuchi, Tiennan Costley, Ben Gunter, Esei Ha'angana, Faulua Makisi, Kanji Shimokawa

Backs: Shinobu Fujiwara, Naoto Saitō, Ryūnosuke Itō, Samisoni Tua, Yuya Hirose, Tomoki Osada, Dylan Riley, Inoke Burua, Haruto Kida, Kazuma Ueda, Sam Greene, Takuro Matsunaga

Verdict

Fiji v Japan

Fiji have a superb record against Japan and are tipped to cover the +2.5 handicap in the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup final.

Fiji +2.5

Handicap

@1,85 - 3 Units

Free R50 + 25 Spins + R5500

use promo code MAXBET

The Easybet promo code is MAXBET. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Easybet

Fiji Win

Result

@2,15 - 2 Units

R25 + 50 spins

Get a R25 sign up bonus + 50 free spins once your Hollywoodbets account is activated. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Hollywoodbets

Brad graduated from the University of South Africa with a Bcom-Management Accounting degree and has a financial background.

His love of sport has seen him venture down the road of researching sporting history for the past several years, specifically boxing, cricket and football.

Other sports of particular interest are golf, tennis, horse racing and motorsports.

Additionally, he spends his time researching the military history of his home country of South Africa.

He is an ardent Liverpool supporter and is known to DJ and release music on occasion.