Fiji make it two in a row as they see off Japan
Fiji ………………… 41
Japan……………17
Fiji won the Pacific Nations Cup for the seventh time – and second year on the trot – as they defeated Eddie Jones’ Japan in Osaka.
First Half
Japan were holding firm at 10-10 until the hour mark when big impacts from the bench saw Fiji run away with the game in the final quarter.
Japan fired the first shot midway through the first half when Dylan Riley weaved his way through the defence and then chipped the cover before regathering to finish off a special score.
Fiji levelled 10 minutes later as Tatekawa’s kick through was charged down and as the ball was hacked downfield, Vuate Karawalevu ran clear to regather and score.
Japan ended the half a man down after hooker Mamoru Harada was yellow carded, but they weathered the storm and did not concede while down a man with Fiji having a try ruled out for obstruction.
Second Half
Debutant Ponipante Loganimasi raced over out wide shortly after coming off the bench after great hands by the Fijians.
Another sub, Albert Tuisure, powered over from short range for their third try with 15 minutes to go.
Fiji then started to play some brilliant rugby as winger Karawalevu grabbed his second after an outstanding out the back offload from flanker Kitione Salawa.
It then turned out to be a dream debut for the former sevens star Loganimasi, as he grabbed his second by picking up from the ruck 30 metres out and then produced a wonderful left-foot step to sit down the covering defender with five minutes remaining.
Japan scored a late consolation when Malo Tuitama hit a good line on halfway and the pace to finish.
Teams
FIJI: Armstrong-Ravula, Karawalevu, Baleiwairiki, Tabuavou, Droasese, Muntz, Lomani, Mawi, Ikanivere, Tawake, Nasilasila, Mayanavanua, Derenalagi, Salawa, Canakaivata
Replacements: Dolokoto, Hetet, Tuni, Vocevove, Tuisue, Matawalu, Vota, Loganimasi
JAPAN: Lee, Osada, Riley, McCurran, Tuitama, Tatekawa, Fujiwara, Miura, Harada, Takeuchi, Uluiviti, Dearns, Fakatava, Shimokawa, Makisi
Replacements: Matsuoka, Okabe, Tamefusa, Collins-Mapusua, Costley, Koyama, Kajimura, Hamano
