Japan vs Samoa - Rugby World Cup 2023 Preview
Japan are set to face Samoa in the next group-stage game in the Rugby World Cup on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The two sides have already faced each other previously 16 times, with Japan recording five wins and Samoa being the winning side 11 times. Japan have already played two games in Pool D, recording one win and one defeat. Samoa, meanwhile, played once and were victorious in it. The two teams will be heading to the upcoming match with the determination to win.
The meeting between Japan and Samoa in the Rugby World Cup group stage will take place at Stadium Municipal.
Date: 28/09/23
Time: 21:00 CET
Venue: Stadium Municipal
Japan vs Samoa Prediction - Rugby World Cup 2023
In the last decade, Japanese rugby enjoyed a revival, highlighted by their historic 2015 World Cup win over South Africa after a 24-year drought. They continued their progress in 2019, reaching the quarter-finals as tournament hosts.
However, Japan face a tough challenge in this tournament due to recent losses to Samoa, Fiji, Italy and England. They currently rank 14th in the World Rugby standings.
Japan's comeback relies on Kazuki Himeno, a dynamic number eight known for his relentless work ethic and strong midfield play. His performance is key to Japan's chances of reaching another quarter-final.
Image Source: Reuters
While Samoa have appeared in eight straight World Cups with limited success, they've shown improvement, beating Japan and Tonga, and challenging top-ranked Ireland. A key element is the center partnership of Tumua Manu and UJ Seuteni, offering both power and finesse. But the real standout is Theo McFarland, a Saracens player known for remarkable handling skills despite his imposing physique.
Considering the recent form and latest results of the teams, we are inclined to favor Samoa to secure a victory in their upcoming match.
Odds:
Match winner:
Japan win: 2.33
Samoa win: 1.54
Image Source: Reuters