Japan vs Argentina Predictions - Brave Blossoms to threaten Los Pumas progression

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 06 Oct 2023

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Ralph Staniforth 06 Oct 2023

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Watch Japan vs Argentina in the Rugby World Cup on Sunday (13:00 SAST)
Los Pumas have won 5 of their 6 games against Japan
Can the Brave Blossoms spoil the Argentine party?

Expired

Japan can get close to an upset against Argentina (Getty Images)

Japan vs Argentina Preview

This is effectively a quarter-final before the actual quarter-final. Nothing matters other than the win as that is the team that will progress.

Japan vs Argentina Preview
Head to Head
Japan Form
Japan Injuries & Team News
Argentina Form
Argentina Injuries & Team News

Los Pumas are favourites but both teams have struggled in this World Cup, particularly in attack. If that trend continues this should be a reasonably low-scoring fixture. I can’t see Argentina winning this by more than 13 points with so much on the line for Japan.

Japan have won 2 of their last 3 matches.
Argentina have won 2 of their last 3 matches.
Argentina have won 5 of their 6 matches against Japan.

Head to Head

Argentina have won five of their six matches against Japan. These sides last met in 2016 where Los Pumas won 54-21 at home.

Japan Form

Japan are third in Pool D, level on points with Argentina but with a worse points difference. The equation is simple, the winner of this match progresses to the quarters.

The Brave Blossoms won their opening game against Chile before losing out to England. Japan were competitive against the English but ran out of steam in the final 20 minutes.

Last time out Japan beat Samoa 19-10 to give themselves a shot at the quarter-final. Japan have been far from their best at this World Cup and if anything, have looked plucky, not their confident selves from four years ago on home soil.

Japan Injuries & News

Japan have selected their strongest side for what is effectively a knockout game.

Argentina Form

Argentina are obvious favourites for this encounter, but they too have been far from their best at the World Cup. Los Pumas have struggled, particularly on attack and will need to sort that out if they are to beat Japan.

The Argentines started their campaign poorly, lost 27-10 to England. It was a match that the Argentines entered as favourites but arguably put in their worst performance for some time.

They did bounce back with victories over Samoa and Chile which puts them in a strong position to qualify. But they must win this encounter, defeat will mean an early flight home.

Argentina Injuries & News

No chances are being taken by Michael Cheika. The former Australian head coach will go with the strongest possible side.

Verdict

Japan v Argentina

Japan are backed to get within the 13-point handicap.

Japan +13

Handicap

@-109.89 - 5 Units

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