Japan vs Chile Predictions & Tips - Big victory tipped for Brave Blossoms

I’m backing Japan to cover the -25 handicap.

Japan and Chile have never met before.

Japan have been the darlings of world rugby for close to the last decade. There have been no tier-two sides as improved as them but they are not coming into this World Cup in the greatest of form.

In 2015 Japan failed to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup despite winning three games, including the biggest upset in the history of rugby union against South Africa. Fast-forward four years and Japan again caused shock after shock, defeating both Ireland and Scotland to reach the quarter-final stage.

In their last four games however, Japan have only managed to beat Tonga. They lost to Samoa, Fiji and Italy.

Japan will be looking to get a bonus point win here, so I fully expect their strongest side. With more rest for teams during this World Cup, players won’t have such short turnaround times.

This is Chile’s first-ever appearance at the Rugby World Cup so there is no doubt that they will be up for this clash. And they will fancy their chances of putting in a strong performance against a struggling Japan side.

Chile got some decent results in their warm-up games after causing a major upset against the USA to reach the World Cup. While Chile are not expected to feature later in the tournament, they will want to put a marker down in the first game.

Chile are one of the youngest sides at the World Cup. That is very exciting for the South Americans as they may only really peak at the next World Cup.