Japan beat Fiji to win Pacific Nations Cup — TimesLIVE
Japan’s rugby team defeated Fiji 20:15 in Tokyo, Japan, and won the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time in seven years. The match took place at a packed Chichibunomiya Stadium, TimesLIVE reports.
It was the Japanese team’s fourth victory in the tournament. Canada and the United States also took part in this year’s competition. Fiji had won six of the previous eight editions of the Pacific Nations Cup.
Three tries after mauls
All three of Japan’s tries came from mauls. Mamoru Harada scored the first in the 22nd minute, when Fiji were a player down after prop Mesake Doge received a yellow card. Ben Gunter scored in the 57th minute, while substitute Samisoni Tua scored the decisive try. Sam Greene converted one try and kicked a penalty.
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Fiji opened the scoring in the 10th minute through a try by Virimi Vakatawa. The 34-year-old former France international played his second match for Fiji after changing his sporting allegiance. Before the break, captain Tevita Ikanivere scored another try after a short pass at a lineout, giving Fiji a 12:10 lead at half-time.
Second-half finale
In the second half, Japan dominated and put their opponents under pressure with mauls several times. With 15 minutes remaining, a penalty by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula levelled the score at 15:15. However, Japan’s next maul ended with a try by Tua, which brought the hosts victory.
Before the match, Fiji were ninth in the world rankings, while Japan were 12th. According to the publication, the Japanese team made use of better physical conditioning and a fast tempo, which gradually drained Fiji’s energy.
