Japan and Samoa will meet in a crucial Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool D match at the Stadium de Toulouse on Friday, 29 September 2023 at 21:00 Local Time, 11:45 AM ET. Both teams are eager to make a strong impression in the tournament, and this match is likely to be a close and exciting contest.
How to watch on TV for Free
The match will be broadcast live on a number of TV channels around the world, including:
- United States: NBC
- United Kingdom: ITV, S4C
- Australia: Stan Sport
- South Africa: SUPERSPORT, SABC Sport
- Ireland: RTE, VIRGIN
- Japan: JSPORTS, NTV, NHK
- Samoa: TV1
For more TV listings, please visit: https://rwcglobally.com/tv-rights/
How to watch online
The match will also be streamed live on a number of online platforms, including:
- United States: FuboTV, SlingTV, Peacock, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
- United Kingdom: ITVX
- Japan: DAZAN
- Selected matches: RUGBYPASS TV
For more TV streaming service listings, please visit: https://rwcglobally.com/
Match preview
Japan and Samoa are both ranked in the top 15 of the World Rugby rankings, and they are both capable of playing some exciting rugby. Japan has been in particularly good form in recent years, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Samoa is a more traditional rugby powerhouse, and they will be eager to prove that they are still one of the best teams in the world.
Key points
- Samoa and Japan are evenly matched, with both sides having won a game and lost a game in Pool D so far.
- Samoa need to improve their ball-handling, while Japan need to be more clinical in finishing off their breaks.
- Discipline will be vital, as neither side is good enough to keep the opposition at bay when they are down a man.
- Samoa have the edge in power, but Japan’s continuity of player might just give them the edge.
Japan
Japan is coached by Jamie Joseph, a former New Zealand international player. Joseph has been in charge of Japan since 2016, and he has helped to transform the team into one of the most competitive in the world. Japan’s key players include Michael Leitch, Kazuki Himeno, and Kotaro Matsushima.
Lineups
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
Samoa is coached by Seilala Mapusua, a former Samoa international player. Mapusua has been in charge of Samoa since 2020, and he is looking to rebuild the team after a disappointing performance at the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Samoa’s key players include Rey Lee-Lo, AJ MacGinty, and Ed Fidow.
Lineups
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 (co-captain), Paul Alo-Emile, Seilala Lam, James Lay.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Michael Alaalatoa (co-captain), Steven Luatua, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala.
Prediction
This is a very difficult match to predict. Both teams are evenly matched, and they are both capable of winning. However, Japan has been in better form in recent years, and they have a slight edge in terms of experience. I predict that Japan will win by a narrow margin.
Conclusion
The Japan vs Samoa match is one of the most anticipated matches of the Rugby World Cup 2023. Both teams are evenly matched, and they are both capable of playing some exciting rugby. I predict that Japan will win by a narrow margin, but it is sure to be a close and exciting contest.
Additional information
History of the rivalry
Japan and Samoa have met on 13 previous occasions, with Japan winning 8 times and Samoa winning 5 times. The two teams have met once before in a Rugby World Cup match, in 2019, with Japan winning 19-38.
Recent form
Japan has won 4 of its last 5 matches, while Samoa has won 2 of its last 5 matches.
Key players
Japan: Michael Leitch, Kazuki Himeno, Kotaro Matsushima
Samoa: Rey Lee-Lo, AJ MacGinty, Ed Fidow
Prediction
Japan to win by a narrow margin.
