Japan vs Samoa Preview & Prediction | 2023 Rugby World Cup | Pool Stage
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THE FACTS
When is Japan vs Samoa on and what time does it start? Japan vs Samoa will take place on Thursday 28th September, 2023 – 20:00 (UK)
Where is Japan vs Samoa taking place? Japan vs Samoa will take place at Stadium de Toulouse in Toulouse, France
Where can I get tickets for Japan vs Samoa? Click here for the latest ticket information for Japan vs Samoa
What channel is Japan vs Samoa on in the UK? Japan vs Samoa will be televised live on ITV
Where can I stream Japan vs Samoa in the UK? Japan vs Samoa can be streamed live on ITVX
THE SQUADS
JAPAN
Starting 15: Lomano Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima, Dylan Riley, Ryoto Nakamura, Jone Naikabula, Rikiya Matsuda, Yutaka Nagare, Kazuki Himeno, Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, Amato Fakatava, Jack Cornelsen, Jiwon Gu, Shota Horie, Keita Inagaki
Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Kanji Shimokawa, Naoto Saito, Seungsin Lee, Tomoki Osada
SAMOA
Starting 15: Duncan Paia'aua, Ed Fidow, Tumua Manu, Alai D'Angelo Leuila, Ben Lam, Christian Leali'ifano, Jonathan Taumateine, Sa Jordan Taufua, Fritz Lee, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Chris Vui, Paul Alo-Emile, Seilala Lam, James Lay
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Michael Alaalatoa, Steven Luatua, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala
THE LOWDOWN
JAPAN
Japan were outplayed by England as they fell to their first defeat of the tournament. With second spot in the pool up for grabs, this is a crucial game for the Japanese and one they must win if they are to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
SAMOA
Samoa lost a tight affair with Argentina as their hopes of finishing second in the pool suffered a blow. They narrowed the margin to just six points with five minutes of that game remaining but ultimately fell short and need to respond in this game or they are likely to face elimination.
THE PREDICTION
This is a huge game in Pool D as the race to join England in the knockout stages intensifies. Both Japan and Samoa will fancy their chances of progression but the loser of this encounter will almost certainly fail to finish second in the pool. This is likely to be a tight affair with Japan aiming to play with flair and the Samoans utilising their power game but with so little to split the two, this could go either way.
BETTING TIP: Winning margin - 1-12 points
