Predictions: Japan to secure second PNC victory

Ahead of Round Two in the Pacific Nations Cup, we are putting our head on the block and picking our winners from the three matches this weekend.

The USA and Samoa begin proceedings in Suva before Fiji and Canada follow looking to bounce back from opening weekend defeats. Japan’s encounter with Tonga is the final encounter in Higashiōsaka.

There is also Currie Cup action from South Africa as the Free State Cheetahs take on the Golden Lions, Pumas host the Sharks and Blue Bulls face the Griquas.

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP, ROUND TWO

USA v Samoa

An intriguing contest takes place in Fiji on Saturday as the North American outfit go head-to-head with the Pacific Islanders. Both sides come into the game off the back of important wins, with the former thrashing continental rivals Canada and the latter narrowly overcoming Tonga.

In terms of sheer athletic talent, Samoa will be favourites, but the US have built impressively under Gary Gold and, in Ruben De Haas and particularly AJ MacGinty, they shade the key decision-making positions.

They also have some good footballers in the shape of Will Hooley and Blaine Scully while Paul Lasike adds plenty of ballast in the midfield. Samoa also boast plenty of talent, with Ahsee Tuala, Kieron Fonotia and Alapati Leiua all enjoying good seasons at their respective clubs, but we think the Eagles will edge it. USA by 4.

Fiji v Canada

Canada were once the powerhouse in North America and in 1991 reached the World Cup quarter-finals, but they have endured a steady decline. They have duly been overtaken by the USA and that was shown in their heavy defeat in Round One.

Kingsley Jones’ men should therefore be in for a long evening against Fiji, who are stacked with talent. While it is not necessarily their first choice side, the return of Josua Tuisova and Semi Radradra adds to the threat behind the scrum.

With Leone Nakarawa, Viliame Mata and Peceli Yato in the back five of the pack, expect a big win for the defending champions, who are looking to respond to their disappointing loss against Japan last weekend. Fiji by 40.

Japan v Tonga

The final match sees the Brave Blossoms attempting to make it two wins in a row when they take on Tonga, who succumbed 25-17 to Samoa in their Pacific Nations Cup opener.

Jamie Joseph’s men were excellent in the first round, defeating defending champions Fiji 34-21, and will look to build on that this weekend. Joseph has got his team well-drilled and playing some excellent rugby, while the return of Michael Leitch is a boost for the hosts.

Although the Tongans have players who will cause problems in the shape of Cooper Vuna, Maama Vaipulu and Steve Mafi, Joseph’s men are a mightily effective unit and will cause problems for the visitors. Japan by 9.

CURRIE CUP

Free State Cheetahs v Golden Lions: Free State by 6
Pumas v Sharks: Sharks by 8
Blue Bulls v Griquas: Blue Bulls by 5