Rugby World Cup fixtures, time, prediction, live scores and result: Japan vs Samoa

Two wins out of two. Nine points from a possible ten. Japan’s start to their 2019 Rugby World Cup party could not have gone any better. As hosts, they would still deem it a failure if they did not reach their pre-tournament target of the quarter-finals.

Coming into the World Cup on a wave of confidence following their breakthrough victory over South Africa at RWC 2015, Japan took another Tier 1 scalp on 28 September, beating Ireland in a rapturous Shizuoka.

They now have to beat Samoa and Scotland to be sure of a quarter-final place in Tokyo. First up are the Pacific Islanders who will be fighting to keep their hopes alive in Toyota following a demoralising defeat by Scotland.

“They had some tough times but these are the sorts of things that usually bring the team tight together, and so we’re expecting a really physical and tough game,” said Japan coach Jamie Joseph.

Samoa succumbed to Japan 26-5 in their third pool game this time four years ago. So this is is abit of a grudge match.
Form guide (most recent matches first)

Japan: WWLWW
Samoa: LWLLL

Head-to-head:
Played 15 – Japan 4W – Samoa 11W

Japan vs Samoa: Rugby World Cup kick-off time and prediction

Kick off time: Lunch time treats, it all kicks off at 12:30 on 5 October 2019 . All the action is live on SuperSport 1.

For the RWC, we’ll be using a prediction algorithm from a New Zealand anorak.

Prediction:  It’s not an easy call, but Japan are favourites – between nine and 12 points.

RWC 2019 live scores and result: Japan vs Samoa

Additional reporting by AFP/World Rugby.