Japan and Samoa meet in a thrilling Pool D clash at the Rugby World Cup.
Both teams still have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals despite defeats against England and Argentina respectively in their last game.
Samoa face Steve Borthwick’s side in their final group game and two wins in a row could be enough to progress, while Japan’s meeting with Los Pumas on October 8 could become a last eight play-off if there is one Victory is achieved.
The last meeting between these two teams was at the Pacific Nations Cup in July, with Samoa winning a hard-fought clash 24-22.
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When does Japan vs Samoa take place?
Japan vs Samoa is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. (BST) at the Stadium de Toulouse on Thursday, September 28.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the Pool D match live on ITV4, with coverage on the channel from 7:15pm BST. Registered users can also stream the action for free via ITVX.
If you are traveling abroad and want to watch the event, you may need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup will help you and includes everything VPN offers on the market. Viewers using a VPN must ensure that they comply with all local regulations in their location as well as the terms and conditions of their service provider.
Team news
Japan coach Jamie Joseph is making two defensive changes compared to the team that started against England in Nice. Full-back Semisi Masirewa suffered an injury five minutes into the game, moving Lomano Lemeki into the starting line-up while Dylan Riley was preferred over Tomoki Osada in the centres. Seungsin Lee, who scored 17 points in the Pacific Nations Cup clash between these two teams, is set to make his World Cup debut as a substitute.
There are four Samoan changes as Seilala Mapusua struggles with a six-game turnaround following a rainy defeat to Argentina. Up front, Steven Luatua and Brian Alainu’uese are out, while Theo McFarland is moved up to the second row to allow both Taleni Seu and Jordan Taufua to move to the back row. There is also a new line-up in defense: Nigel Ah Wong and Ulupano Seuteni are out, Ed Fidow takes over on the wing and D’Angelo Leuila offers an additional playmaker option in midfield alongside Tumua Manu.
Lineups
Japan XV: Keita Inagaki, Shota Horie, Jiwon Gu; Jack Cornelsen, Amato Fakatava; Michael Leitch, Pieter “Lappies” Labuschagne, Kazuki Himeno (captain); Yutaka Nagare, Rikiya Matsuda; Jone Naikabula, Ryoto Nakamura, Dylan Riley, Kotaro Matsushima; Lomano Lemeki.
Replacements: Atsushi Sakate, Craig Millar, Asaeli Ai Valu, Warner Dearns, Kanji Shimokawa; Naoto Saito, Seungsin Lee, Tomoki Osada
Samoa XV: James Lay, Seilala Lam, Paul Alo-Emile; Chris Vui (captain), Theo McFarland; Taleni Seu, Fritz Lee, Jordan Taufua; Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano; Ben Lam, D’Angelo Leuila, Tumua Manu, Ed Fidow; Duncan Paia’aua.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Michael Alaalatoa, Steven Luatua, Alamanda Motuga; Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala.
opportunities
Japan wins 6/4
Draw 28/1
Samoa wins 9/14
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forecast
Samoa narrowly edge past Japan in an entertaining affair. Japan 26-28 Samoa.
