Fiji vs Japan Predictions - Fiji backed to see off Japan for PNC title

My best bet is for Fiji to cover the -3 handicap.

Fiji have won 15 of their 19 fixtures against Japan.

Fijian rugby is possibly in the best place it has ever been in at the moment. They did superbly to reach the quarter-final of the Rugby World Cup in 2023 where they eventually lost narrowly to England.

They then beat Georgia in July this year before losing to New Zealand. Fiji began the Pacific Nations Cup wit a 42-16 success against Samoa before thrashing Tonga 50-19. 

In the semi-final against the USA last weekend, Fiji were not at their best, winning the match 22-3.

Fiji should remain relatively unchanged for the final.

Japanese rugby has been on a growth spurt since their dramatic 2015 Rugby World Cup win over South Africa. This week actually marked the nine-year anniversary of that dramatic game.

However, over the last few years, Japan have stagnated somewhat. They are still a very competitive side, but they have not quite kicked on after their home World Cup in 2019.

That said, the Brave Blossoms have been good in the Pacific Nations Cup. They beat Canada 55-28 before downing the USA 41-24 in the group stage.

Last week, in the semi-final, Japan dominated Samoa, winning 49-27. They clearly that no issue scoring points, but defensively they have been found wanting and they don’t want to create that scenario against Fiji.

I expect no unforced changes to the Japan side this weekend.