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JPN vs FIJ
Pacific Nations Cup
Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka
Japan
vs
Fiji
17
FT
41
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 17 - 41
In the end, Fiji’s class and depth shone through as they dominated the second half to claim a well-deserved Pacific Nations Cup title. Japan fought valiantly, with standout performances from Riley and Dearns, but they couldn’t keep pace with Fiji’s relentless attack. With this victory, Fiji claim their sixth Pacific Nations Cup crown, reinforcing their dominance in the competition and marking another milestone in their rugby history. For now, that rounds things out in this one. Thanks for tuning into Tribe.
Throughout the second half, Muntz orchestrated Fiji’s attack with precision, though he was denied a try early in the half due to an obstruction in the lead-up. Despite that, Fiji’s forwards and backs combined beautifully, with Derenalagi proving particularly effective on the flanks, and Loganimasi making a huge impact off the bench. Japan’s Seungsin Lee impressed at fullback, displaying calmness under pressure and kicking with accuracy, but Fiji’s power and speed ultimately proved too much.
Fiji continued to pile on the pressure, and Karawalevu grabbed his second try of the match in the 70th minute after an offload from Loganimasi. Just five minutes later, Loganimasi scored his second try after picking and going from 30 metres out, putting the game well beyond Japan's reach. Japan tried to fight back, and they managed a consolation try in the 78th minute when Malo Tuitama finished off a long-range effort, courtesy of a brilliant offload from Riley. It was too little, too late for the Brave Blossoms, though, with Fiji running in a comfortable win.
The second half began with Fiji pushing the tempo, and they took the lead in the 56th minute through a Caleb Muntz penalty goal. From there, the floodgates opened, and Fiji’s quick hands and powerful running started to break down Japan's defensive line. In the 60th minute, Ponipate Loganimasi crossed in the right corner after a flowing team move, and Muntz’s conversion extended their lead. Albert Tuisue added another try just seven minutes later through a pick-and-go, with Muntz converting once again to give Fiji a commanding advantage.
Fiji have been crowned Pacific Nations Cup champions after a dominant second-half performance saw them pull away from Japan to secure a 24-point victory. The first half had been a tight battle, with the scores level at 10-all as both sides traded blows. Japan’s Dylan Riley opened the try scoring with a spectacular chip-and-chase try, while Vuate Karawalevu responded for Fiji after capitalising on a charge-down. Despite the even contest, a yellow card to Japan’s Mamoru Harada late in the half for a high tackle put the Brave Blossoms under pressure heading into the break.
80+1'
Quick tap for Japan and Fakatava breaks over halfway. Costley spills the next pass, though, and that is full time.
80'
Slow ball for Japan as the forwards continue to carry one off the ruck. Rush defence from Fiji but that sees space for Tuitama to find, and he busts to halfway on the left wing. To midfield it goes for Riley, before Fiji are penalised for not rolling at the breakdown.
79'
The kick off is sent deep by Muntz and returned by Fakatava to his 22. Wide right it goes, sending Dearns outside the 22.
79'
Lee converts quickly from just to the left of the posts.