Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the 2024 World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup match
Japan
Following a relatively successful 2023 World Cup campaign (finishing third in their group), Japan failed to secure a win in their summer test match series. They came closest to victory in a home game against Georgia, but let it slip away in the last five minutes (23:25). Their win in the first match of the Pacific Nations Cup against Canada could have been more emphatic (55:28), but by the end of the first half, with the score already at a commanding 38:0, Japan eased off their attacking pressure.
USA
The USA did not qualify for the 2023 World Cup, making tournaments like the Pacific Nations Cup essential for them. They present a favourable matchup against Canada, but what awaits them against the world's 14th-ranked team? In their summer test matches, the USA lost to a lower-ranked Romania (20:22). They managed a narrow victory over Canada on September 1st (28:15).
Japan - USA Prediction
These teams rarely face each other. Their last meeting was in 2019 during the Pacific Nations Cup, where Japan secured an away victory (34-20). Although the overall head-to-head record favours the USA (+13=1-10), Japan has held the upper hand for the past 16 years. The USA last won on Japanese soil in 2000. No miracles are expected, and Japan should comfortably uphold their status as the group and tournament favourites.
