Japan vs France Prediction & Betting Tips - Nations Championship

Prediction published on 16/07/2026, 04:40  by Ita Emmanuel | Modified on 17/07/2026 at 07:06 in Nations Championship Predictions

World No. 11 Japan host fourth-ranked France in the third round of the Nations Championship at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday. Despite entering this clash as underdogs, the Brave Blossoms have demonstrated enough in the opening two rounds to suggest they can keep this contest competitive. That is why we are backing them to cover the handicap in our prediction.

Japan got off to a strong start to their Nations Championship campaign by stunning higher-ranked Italy in Tokyo. Takuro Matsunaga led the charge for the hosts, scoring a try and adding 12 points from the tee to secure a shock 27–10 victory over the World No. 10. 

The Brave Blossoms played their second fixture at the neutral McDonald Jones Stadium in Australia against third-ranked Ireland, putting up a spirited performance despite a 36–20 defeat. The Eddie Jones-led side will aim for another strong showing as they return to Tokyo for this clash. They have either won or lost by a tight margin in their last six Tests on Japanese soil.

France fell 34–32 on the road to New Zealand in a closely contested Nations Championship opener and defeated Australia 42–26 in their second fixture. While Les Bleus have won all four of their previous meetings with Japan, three of those have been by competitive margins. None of their last three victories have come by a margin greater than 25 points.