Fiji secured their sixth Pacific Nations Cup title after they beat Japan 35-12 in their final-round match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
Tries from Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Mawi, Simi Kuruvoli and a double from Frank Lomani helped the islanders to an impressive win over the Brave Blossoms.
Ben Volavola added eight points off the tee, while for Japan, their scores came via Jone Naikabula and Semisi Masirewa, meaning they finish third on the table.
Strong start from Fiji
After withstanding an early attack from Japan, the Fijians broke downfield, and with just three minutes on the clock, centre Nayacalevu raced under the uprights.
Volavola added the simple conversion to move his outfit 7-0 to the good in a score that settled any nerves whilst denting the confidence and noise in the crowd.
The hosts’ dismal start was compounded soon after when Lappies Labuschagne was red-carded for making head-on-head contact with Vilimoni Botitu in a tackle.
Fiji would make them pay on 17 minutes as prop Mawi claimed their second try of the game as he crashed over before Volavola made it a 14-point advantage.
The Flying Fijians weren’t done in the first half either as scrum-half Kuruvoli scooted over, with Volavola’s conversion sending the visitors in 21-0 in the lead.
Volavola would miss a long-range penalty attempt shortly after the resumption, but he would convert replacement Lomani’s try from in front on 58 minutes.
The islanders then had two tries disallowed by the match officials due to obstruction and a knock-on which kept the scoreline at 28-0 with 17 minutes to play.
Japan got on the board
And with nine minutes remaining, Japan finally had something to show for their hard work, wing Naikabula getting to his feet after not being held for the try.
Masirewa would dive over on the left wing to make it 28-12, with the conversion unsuccessful before Lomani struck in added time to add gloss to Fiji’s victory.
🇫🇯 FIJI ARE PACIFIC NATIONS CUP CHAMPIONS! #FIJvJPN #PNC2023 pic.twitter.com/uR7SxMnoKN
― Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) August 5, 2023
The win for Fiji sees them seal the Pacific Nations Cup title with three wins, finishing ahead of second-placed Samoa, who beat Tonga earlier on Saturday.
Fiji are drawn in the same Rugby World Cup pool as Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal and kick off their campaign against the Welsh on September 10.
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