Japan vs Fiji Predictions - Fiji set to win back-to-back Pacific Nations Cup titles

Brad Newcomb

Editor

Last updated: 2 minutes ago

Brad Newcomb 2 minutes ago

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Fiji leads Japan 7-1 in past meetings, winning last year's final by 24 points.
Japan have won 4 of their last 5 matches.
Fiji are predicted to retain the Pacific Nations Cup.

Fiji are the Pacific Nations Cup defending champions (Getty Images)

Japan vs Fiji Predictions

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

Japan have historically struggled to beat Fiji but have been in excellent form during the tournament. Fiji have been equally as good and are the defending Pacific Nations Cup champions.

Fiji have won 4 consecutive fixtures.
Fiji defeated Japan by 24 points in last year's final.
Japan have won 4 of their last 5 games.
Japan have lost 7 of their last 8 matches against Fiji.

Head to Head

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

Japan Form

Japan scored three converted tries in the first half against Tonga in their semi-final match last weekend, but only led by two points at the break.

Japan were outstanding in the second half, scoring five tries, four conversions and a penalty to thump Tonga 62-24.

Earlier in the tournament, Japan thumped Canada 57-15 and defeated the USA 47-21 in Pool B of the Pacific Nations Cup.

Japan have been in great touch during the tournament so far, but face one of their bogey teams in Fiji, having lost seven of their eight clashes against their opponents, including last year's Pacific Nations Cup final.

Japan Team News & Injuries

Hayate Era, Amato Fakatava, Warner Dearns, Dylan Riley, Shinobu Fujiwara, Kenji Sato, and Keijiro Tamefusa each scored a try against Tonga last weekend.

Seungsin Lee slotted seven conversions and two penalties in the match.

Forwards: Hayate Era, Mamoru Harada, Kenji Sato, Ryosuke Iwaihara, Yota Kamimori, Sanshiro Kihara, Sena Kimura, Kenta Kobayashi, Taishi Tsumura, Shuhei Takeuchi, Keijiro Tamefusa, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns, Shohei Ito, Waisake Raratubua, Epineri Uluiviti, Tiennan Costley, Amato Fakatava, Ben Gunter, Faulua Makisi, Akito Okui, Amanaki Saumaki, Kanji Shimokawa, Shu Yamamoto

Backs: Shinobu Fujiwara, Kenta Fukuda, Shuntaro Kitamura, Sam Greene, Ichigo Nakakusu, Lee Seung-sin, Yuya Hirose, Yuki Ikeda, Charlie Lawrence, Shōgo Nakano, Tomoki Osada, Dylan Riley, Siosaia Fifita, Kippei Ishida, Haruto Kida, Malo Tuitama, Jingo Takenoshita

Fiji Form

Fiji were in superb form in the first half against Canada in their semi-final clash last weekend, scoring six tries, five conversions, and a penalty to lead 43-10 at half-time.

Fiji added three tries, a penalty, and a conversion in the second half to thrash Canada 63-10

Fiji won Pool B in this edition of the Pacific Nations Cup after winning both of their fixtures.

Fiji beat Tonga 32-10 in their tournament opener and defeated Samoa 29-15 to book their place in the semi-finals.

Fiji have been performing well this year and have consistently defeated Japan over the years, giving them the edge needed to emerge victorious in the final and defend the Pacific Nations Cup title.

Fiji Team News & Injuries

Kalaveti Ravouvou scored a hat-trick against Canada.

Taniela Rakuro dotted down twice over the try line last weekend.

Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Eroni Mawi, and Joji Nasova each scored a try in the match.

Kemu Valetini kicked over two penalties.

Forwards: Elia Canakaivata, Mesake Doge, Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Viliame Mata, Eroni Mawi, Motikai Murray, Temo Mayanavanua, Isoa Nasilasila, Kitione Salawa, Samu Tawake, Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Isoa Tuwai, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa

Backs: Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Philip Baselala, Simione Kuruvoli, Ponipate Loganimasi, Caleb Muntz, Semi Radradra, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Inia Tabuavou, Seta Tamanivalu, Kemu Valentini, Sam Wye