We are down to the last round in the group stages and with no teams on 2 wins there is everything to play for. Here are my predictions for the third round of Pacific Nations Cup games.
First up here’s a link to my review of the second round action.
How did your predictions for round 2 go?
1 from 3, but that included a draw so not that bad.
USA v Tonga
The USA pulled off an upset against a much changed Japan side last time out. But the challenges just keep coming. This time it’s a big physical islander side in the form of Tonga. Tonga came back against Canada and will be looking to start better in this game. The USA are a harder challenge but Tonga have had an extra week to get over jet lag and I expect them to take another win.
Tonga by 7
Fiji v Japan
Fiji have suffered 2 comebacks over the last 3 weeks. They will need to show that they can play the full 80 mins or teams will always know they are in with a chance. At this level the mind games are all important as we are seeing in social media from various Rugby World Cup camps. I didn’t know the side that Japan would put out when I made this prediction. I was expecting more experimentation but they have named a stronger side. So whilst I stand by my Fiji prediction the score line could be closer than I originally thought.
Fiji by 10
Canada v Samoa
Canada have had a poor tournament. They looked better initially against Tonga but a yellow card took the wind from their sails. I can’t see them troubling Samoa too much but they will want to show much more resilience. Samoa just need to be careful that they don’t get complacent. They are building well heading for the Rugby World Cup but could do with starting games stronger. This win should see them through to the final for a rematch against Fiji.
Bonus points could be all important, but as I can’t find the tiebreaker rules anywhere, who knows?
Samoa by 15
So it looks like I’m going for 3 wins by the Pacific Islanders.
Prediction Leagues
Join in the predicting fun, I’m running leagues for the Currie Cup, ITM Cup and NRC. Also enjoy the excitement of the up coming Rugby World Cup by joining the August Internationals and Rugby World Cup leagues as well.
