Samoa v Japan prediction how to watch, Rugby World Cup 2023, Group D clash

Samoa's Christian Leali'ifano kicks a conversion during the Rugby World Cup Pool D match between Argentina and Samoa. Photo / AP

Samoa shook up their back row and midfield for the must-win Rugby World Cup match against Japan on Friday NZT.

Japan limited their changes to two backs after losing to England 34-12 last week in Nice.

After falling to Argentina 19-10 last week, Samoa gave starts on Tuesday to New South Wales flanker Taleni Seu and Lyon No. 8 Jordan Taufua in place of Theo McFarland, who was moved to the second row, and Steven Luatua, who was dropped to the reserves.

D’Angelo Leuila will partner Tumua Manu in midfield. The only other time they combined was in July last year against Tonga.

Ed Fidow takes over from Nigel Ah-Wong on the right wing.

Japan promoted outside center Dylan Riley and fullback Lomano Lemeki from the bench. They replaced Tomoki Osada, who dropped to the reserves, and Semisi Masirewa, who suffered a tournament-ending leg injury against England.

The winner of the Japan-Samoa match will stay in contention for the quarterfinals while the loser’s chances of advancing from Pool D will all but disappear.

In the last round of pool games, Japan faces Argentina, and Samoa plays England.

Samoa beat Japan 24-22 in July in Sapporo during the Pacific Nations Cup. Despite a 30th-minute red card for Michael Leitch, Japan led until just after an hour thanks to the unerring boot of Seungsin Lee.

Lee wasn’t so accurate from the tee in following games and he was replaced as the starting flyhalf. But he’s come into the reserves and could make his Rugby World Cup debut.

History

Played 17 times: Samoa won 12, Japan won 5. Most recent Samoa won 24-22 in July.

TAB odds

Japan $2.70, Samoa $1.50, Draw $18

How to watch

Sky Sport 1 from 7.45am Friday

Herald prediction

Japan 21 Samoa 25

Lineups

Japan: Lomani Lemeki, Kotaro Matsushima, Dylan Riley, Ryoto Nakamura, Jone Naikabula, Rikiya Matsuda, Yutaka Nagare; Kazuki Himeno (captain), Pieter Labuschagne, Michael Leitch, Amato Fakatava, Jack Cornelsen, Gu Jiwon, Shota Horie, Keita Inagaki. Reserves: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Kanji Shimokawa, Naoto Saito, Seungsin Lee, Tomoki Osada.

Samoa: Duncan Paia’aua, Ed Fidow, Tumua Manu, D’Angelo Leuila, Ben Lam, Christian Leali’ifano, Jonathan Taumateine; Sa Jordan Taufua, Fritz Lee, Taleni Agaese Seu, Theo McFarland, Chris Vui (captain), Paul Alo-Emile, Seilala Lam, James Lay. Reserves: Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Michael Ala’alatoa, Steven Luatua, Alamanda Matavao, Melani Matavao, Neria Foma’i, Danny Toala.

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