Fiji vs Japan Preview & Prediction | 2026 Pacific Nations Cup | Final
by Trystan Pugh ·
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The 2026 Pacific Nations Cup title is on the line in Tokyo as Fiji and Japan do battle the final for the third year in succession.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV & online: UK – RugbyPass TV / USA – Paramount+
Fiji team news
Squad: 15 Isiah Armstrong-Ravula, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Virimi Vakatawa, 12 Tuioraki Samusamuvodre, 11 Manasa Mataele, 10 Caleb Muntz, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Kitione Salawa, 5 Temo Mayanavanua, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 1 Peni Ravai
Replacements: 16 Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17 Vilikesa Nairau, 18 Sameula Tawake, 19 Isoa Tuwai, 20 Penaia Cakobau, 21 Sam Wye, 22 Isikeli Rabitu, 23 Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Japan team news
Squad: 15 Sam Greene, 14 Inoke Burua, 13 Dylan Riley, 12 Yuya Hirose, 11 Tomoki Osada, 10 Ryunosuke Ito, 9 Naoto Saito (c), 8 Faulua Makisi, 7 Kanji Shimokawa, 6 Ben Gunter, 5 Harry Hockings, 4 Jack Cornelsen, 3 Shuhei Takeuchi, 2 Mamoru Harada, 1 Sojiro Otsuka
Replacements: 16 Kenji Sato, 17 Sena Kimura, 18 Takumi Inaba, 19 Michael Stolberg, 20 Esei Haangana, 21 Tiennan Costley, 22 Shinobu Fujiwara, 23 Samisoni Tua
Fiji vs Japan prediction
Defending champions Fiji made a flying start to last week's semi-final against Canada, but were made to work for their 45-29 victory against the Maple Leafs, who refused to throw in the towel.
Chasing a third successive Pacific Nations Cup title, and eighth overall, Fiji have beaten Japan in each of the last two finals, most recently defeating the Brave Blossoms 33-27 in a closely-fought battle in Salt Lake City last September.
Eddie Jones' Japan will have their eyes on a first Pacific Nations Cup title since 2019 after steamrolling their way past USA in last week's semi-final, earning a 63-14 victory against the Eagles in Higashiosaka.
There is great belief running through the Japan side right now, with Jones remarking that they have made some encouraging progress recently, helped in no small part by a two-test series against Australia in August.
Japan came so close to defeating Fiji last year, and they will believe they can get over the line this time on home turf. Their speed of play will be crucial here, and if they are at their best, they are capable of toppling the Flying Fijians in Tokyo.
Fiji vs Japan tip: Japan to win
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