---
title: "Japan vs Fiji Pacific Nations Cup preview: Lineups and predictions"
canonical: "https://readrugbyunion.com/2026/09/19/japan-fiji-pacific-nations-cup-2026/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jonny Black"
section: "Match Previews"
published: "2026-09-19T06:41:48Z"
modified: "2026-09-19T06:41:54Z"
---

# Japan vs Fiji Pacific Nations Cup preview: Lineups and predictions

| Home team | Japan |
| --- | --- |
| Away team | Fiji |
| Venue | Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium |
| Competition | Pacific Nations Cup |
| Kick-off time | 11:05 am (UK) |
| Watch Live in the UK | RugbyPass TV |

Japan vs Fiji Pacific Nations Cup preview as the sides meet in the Pacific Nations Cup final. Fihi currently sit number nine in the World Rankings, while Japan sit at number 12.

Read more match previews [here](https://readrugbyunion.com/matchpreviews/)

## Japan vs Fiji confirmed lineups

- **Japan** · **Fiji**
- **Forwards**
- Otsuka · **1** · Ravai
- Harada · **2** · Ikanivere
- Takeuchi · **3** · Doge
- Cornelsen · **4** · Vocevoce
- Hockings · **5** · Mayanavanua
- Gunter · **6** · Salawa
- Shimokawa · **7** · Murray
- Makisi · **8** · Canaikaivata
- **Backs**
- Saito · **9** · Lomani
- Ito · **10** · Muntz
- Osada · **11** · Mataele
- Hirose · **12** · Samusamuvodre
- Riley · **13** · Vakatawa
- Burua · **14** · Nasova
- Greene · **15** · Armstrong-Ravula
- **Replacements**
- Sato · **16** · Tagivetaua
- Kimura · **17** · Nairau
- Inaba · **18** · Tawake
- Stolberg · **19** · Tuwai
- Haangana · **20** · Cakobau
- Costley · **21** · Wyei
- Fujiwara · **22** · Rabitu
- Tua · **23** · Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

**Lineup changes:**

J: Makisi comes in at number eight, with Cornelsen shifting into the second row. Osada starts on the wing.

F: Canakaivata starting at eight is the only change in the pack. Muntz comes in at 10, while Armstrong-Ravula moves to 15. Samusamuvodre comes in at 12.

## Recent Form:

**Japan (Home team):**

| **Result** | **Date** | **Competition** | **Opponent** | **Score** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Won | 12th September 2026 | Pacific Nations Cup | USA Eagles | 63-14 |
| Won | 5th September 2026 | Test | Canada | 57-12 |
| Loss | 15th August 2026 | Test | Wallabies | 56-17 |
| Loss | 8th August 2026 | Test | Wallabies | 32-35 |
| Loss | 18th July 2026 | Rugby Nations Champions | France | 15-42 |

Japan picked up a huge victory over the USA and won 63-14. They got off to a flying start and were 28-0 ahead after 16 minutes. The Eagles scored both of their tries before 34 minutes and five more tries throught the rest of the game would make Japan the comfortable winner.

**Fiji (Away team):**

| **Result** | **Date** | **Competition** | **Opponent** | **Score** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Won | 12th September 2026 | Pacific Nations Cup | Canada | 45-29 |
| Loss | 18th July 2026 | Rugby Nations Championship | Scotland | 17-33 |
| Loss | 11th July 2026 | Rugby Nations Championship | Fiji | 8-73 |
| Loss | 4th July 2026 | Rugby Nations Championship | Wales | 24-39 |
| Won | 22nd November 2025 | Friendly | Spain | 33-41 |

Fiji got back to winning ways after three losses in a row of the Rugby Nations Championship. They scored seven tries as they defeated Canada 45-29. The big shift in the scores came early in the first half, where Fiji scored three tries between 45 and 60 minutes.

## Japan vs Fiji head-to-head record (last five matches):

| Date | Competition | Winner | Score |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 21st September 2025 | Pacific Nations Cup | Fiji | 27-33 |
| 21st September 2024 | Pacific Nations Cup | Fiji | 41-17 |
| 5th August 2023 | Test | Fiji | 12-35 |
| 27th July 2019 | Pacific Nations Cup | Japan | 21-34 |
| 26th November 2016 | Test | Fiji | 38-25 |

Fiji have won the last three meetings between these sides but the score gap narrowed last year by only six points.

## Predictions

- Fiji to win
- 9+ tries in the game
- Margin of victory by 14 points or less