ARN Forecast August 3

Some unusual timing this week is going to require a couple rounds of predictions, here’s the first for the final day of the Pacific Nations Cup!

 

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

 

August 3 – Tonga v Japan

Paul – Tonga has performed well thus far in North America while Japan has not really gotten out of third gear. It is just a question of time before Japan play to their potential and the time could be now. Based on selections and overall squad quality it is time for Japan to show why it is ranked above Italy in the World Rankings.  Prediction: Japan by 8.

Bryan – Japan have been hit and miss, but really started to grow into the game at the end of the Fiji match. Leitch and Tanaka should be ready from the kickoff, but I wonder about Ono at flyhalf. Tonga have Latu back to lead, and the halfbacks are in good form. Should be a close game, and a good battle where Japan’s technical strength will meet the raw power of the Tongan pack. Prediction: Japan by 3.

Ted – The first of three really good matchups on the PNC Finals day. The pressure is really on Japan to perform well. They have not looked that good during the PNC. A few games ago, it wasn’t a problem, but now all of a sudden the World Cup shadow is getting bigger. They are desperate for a good result. Tonga has been solid during the PNC. Without a late comeback from Fiji, they’d be 3-0 and in the title match. Prediction: Tonga by 5.

 

August 3 – Canada v USA

Paul – At full strength the sides are quite evenly matched. This is an important change from previous years when Canada was consistently stronger. The 2014 win in Sacramento was with a team still adjusting while the upcoming fixture is one far more solidified and is against a fragile Canadian side which has not been playing well. Prediction: USA by 10.

Bryan – Canada have a few players getting their first run out in the PNC, all handy but that’s a big ask on finals day. USA had a stinker against Tonga but are rolling out their top lineup, or close to it anyway. Ardron and McRorie in particular are losses for Canada, and the starting pack is missing a top runner like Barrett to break the gain line. Even with home field advantage, it’s a tough game for the men in red. Prediction: USA by 5.

Ted – It’s always a heated match when the two North American rivals take the pitch against each other. USA has been the better side during the PNC, but Canada showed a bit of life in coming back against Samoa. Unfortunately for Canada, there were 12 changes made to the side that almost pipped Samoa. They are also missing some very key players. They face a solid USA lineup that appears to be taking shape for the RWC. Regardless of current form, expect a hard fought match. Prediction: USA by 10.

 

August 3 – Fiji v Samoa

Paul – Samoa were very fortunate to win against both Canada and the USA. Their wins could just as easily have been losses while the draw against Fiji was a lucky late escape. Samoa has not peaked but, more importantly, is not at full-strength. Fiji is far closer to the genuine article which will play at the World Cup and ought to have the goods to win the title.  Prediction: Fiji by 12.

Bryan – Fiji are in their refining stage for the World Cup, and are starting to lock down their first choice combinations. This is still an experimental Samoan team, though they do have Fotuali’i back which is a major help at scrumhalf. The first matchup was a beauty and this one should be great too. Look for Fiji to have a little too much firepower and do enough to hold out for the title. Prediction: Fiji by 7.

Ted – The last time the two heavyweights met it ended up a tie. Expect more of the same as Fiji and Samoa trade shots in the final. Both sides play a physical style of rugby. Fiji has more flair to their attack, while Samoa prefers to bludgeon their opponents. Either way, fans should enjoy it. Prediction: Fiji by 3.