Fiji showcased their dominance in the Pacific Nations Cup final on Saturday, overwhelming Japan with a second-half surge to secure a convincing 41-17 victory at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka. The win marks Fiji’s seventh title in the tournament’s history, further cementing their status as the most successful team in the competition.

What a performance 🔥@Fijirugby stay strong to claim the #PacificNationsCup#FIJvJPN pic.twitter.com/ZZI1vS5p0s

— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) September 21, 2024

The match began as a tightly contested affair, with both sides locked at 10-10 at half-time. Japan’s Dylan Riley ignited the crowd with a spectacular solo try midway through the first half, demonstrating his skill with a well-executed chip and chase. The centre ran at the Fiji defence before chipping the ball forward and collecting it to touch down for a brilliant individual score.

Fiji responded shortly after the half-hour mark when Vuate Karawalevu capitalised on a charged-down kick to score a counter-attacking try. The winger showcased his blistering pace as he galloped forward from deep inside his own half, outrunning the Japanese defence to level the scores.

HIGASHIOSAKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Dylan Riley of Japan scores the team’s first try during the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Final between Fiji and Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

The second half, however, told a different story as Fiji’s superior physicality and pace came to the fore. Olympic silver medallist Ponipate Loganimasi, making his debut for the national team, made an immediate impact off the bench. The flying winger scored two tries, his first coming just minutes after entering the fray in the 59th minute. Fiji quickly spread the ball wide to the right, sending Loganimasi into space where he used his speed to outpace the Japanese defenders.

HIGASHIOSAKA, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 21: Samu Tawake of Fiji is tackled by Epineri Rev. Uluiviti of Japan during the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup Final between Fiji and Japan at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on September 21, 2024 in Higashiosaka, Osaka, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai – World Rugby/World Rugby via Getty Images)

Karawalevu added a second try to his tally, further demonstrating Fiji’s lethal finishing ability. The try came from another quick spread of the ball, exploiting gaps in the tiring Japanese defence.

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Albert Tuisue, another impactful substitute, crossed the line in the 68th minute to put the result beyond doubt. The powerful forward’s try exemplified Fiji’s dominance in the latter stages of the game, as they consistently broke through Japan’s defensive line.

Fiji’s head coach Mick Byrne praised his team’s patience and strategy, saying, “We just knew the first 20 minutes was going to be a real battle, and the speed that the Japanese side play with was going to be a challenge. We just had to stay in there early, and I thought we set ourselves up really well for the second half.”

The victory was particularly sweet for Fiji, as they managed to maintain their impressive defensive record. Prior to Japan’s late consolation try by Malo Tuitama in the 78th minute, Fiji had not conceded a single second-half point in any of their four games in this year’s tournament. Tuitama’s try, while too late to affect the outcome, provided a small measure of consolation for the home crowd.

For Japan and their returning head coach Eddie Jones, the defeat served as a sobering reminder of the work ahead. Jones, who took over the reins at the start of the year, acknowledged Fiji’s superiority, stating, “We’ve got no excuses. Fiji are very deserving champions.” He also noted the learning experience for his young squad, adding, “A couple of our young guys today struggled with the occasion, and unfortunately, the only way to learn about that is to have it happen. But I’m sure they’re going to be better for it.”

Fiji head coach Mick Byrne has unveiled his squad for the highly anticipated Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 final against Japan, with Olympic 7s silver medallist Ponipate Loganimasi poised to make his debut for the national team from the bench.

WE ON 🔥

FIJI Water Flying Fijians v Japan
📅Saturday, 21 September
🏟 Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Osaka Prefecture, Higashiosaka City
⏰10:07 pm (FJT)
📺 LIVE ON FBC SPORTS #duavataveilomanirakavi #fijiwater #fijiairways pic.twitter.com/M1VoyTGWXg

— Fiji Rugby Union (@fijirugby) September 19, 2024

The Flying Fijians, undefeated in the tournament thus far, will face hosts Japan at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on Saturday, 21 September, with kick-off scheduled for 22:05 local time (19:05 JST).

In a move that underscores the team’s current form, Byrne has made just one change to the starting XV that secured a convincing 22-3 victory over the USA in the semi-finals. Ilaisa Droasese earns a start on the left wing, replacing Epeli Momo, who was substituted at half-time in the semi-final. This adjustment sees Inia Tabuavou shift to inside centre, having operated on the wing last week.

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The front row remains unchanged, with Eroni Mawi, captain Tevita Ikanivere, and Samuela Tawake retaining their positions. The lock pairing of Isoa Nasilasila and Temo Mayanavanua also remains intact, while the dynamic back row of Meli Derenalagi, Kitione Salawa, and the in-form Elia Canakaivata rounds out the forward pack.

Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz continue their partnership in the halves, with Vuate Karawalevu on the right wing and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at fullback completing the backline.

Alongside Loganimasi, another potential official debutant is Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prop Meli Tuni, who has also been named among the replacements.

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Reflecting on the semi-final performance, Byrne praised his team’s resilience: “We were hanging in there at stages, we were just hanging in there with our game. But, we regrouped at half-time and we got on with it, and that was the pleasing part.”

The coach also highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in maintaining their structure amidst the chaos that often characterises Fijian rugby. “When you watch the way they play rugby back home on the islands, it’s chaos. One of the things I would like to continue to grow is our ability to play a patient game, stay within our systems and continue to play our game. We’re improving all the time,” Byrne commented.

Fiji, the most successful team in Pacific Nations Cup history with five titles to their name, will be aiming to add a sixth this weekend. They currently lead the tournament in tries scored and defensive prowess, with Canakaivata emerging as the top try-scorer.

The clash with Japan promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams displaying attacking flair throughout the competition. Byrne, who previously served as an assistant coach for Japan, anticipates a fast-paced game: “From coaching the Japanese team, I know they’re a brave, strong and courageous team and they never go away. They’ll continue to come after us and they’ll play the game at pace.”

Fiji XV to face Japan

1. Eroni Mawi
2. Tevita Ikanivere
3. Samu Tawake
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Temo Mayanavanua
6. Meli Derenalagi
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Elia Canakaivata
9. Frank Lomani
10. Caleb Muntz
11. Ilaisa Droasese
12. Inia Tabuavou
13. Iosefo Masi
14. Vuate Karawalevu
15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Replacements

16. Mesulame Dolokoto
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Peni Ravai
19. Ratu Rotuisolia
20. Albert Tuisue
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Apisalome Vota
23. Ponipate Loganismasi

In a display of confidence and continuity, Japan’s head coach, Eddie Jones, has announced an almost unchanged squad for the highly anticipated Pacific Nations Cup 2024 final against Fiji. The match, set to take place on Saturday, 21 September, at the historic Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Higashi-Osaka, will kick off at 19:05 JST.

Here’s your Japan team members to take on @fijirugby this Saturday at the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup final! 🏆🔥

📅 Saturday, 21 September 19:05
📍 Hanazono Rugby Stadium

🎟 Tickets on sale now
🔗 https://t.co/hLZIcmV0RJ#FIJvJPN | #PNC2024 pic.twitter.com/ix5m1sr8wz

— Japan Rugby (@JRFURugby) September 19, 2024

The Brave Blossoms, who stormed into the final after an impressive unbeaten run in Pool B, have opted for stability in their team selection. The lineup remains nearly identical to the one that secured a convincing 49-27 victory over Samoa in last weekend’s semi-final in Tokyo.

The only alteration to the matchday 23 comes in the form of test debutant Junta Hamano, who replaces the injured Taichi Takahashi as the reserve outside back. Hamano, a flyer from the Kobe Steelers, will don the number 23 jersey for this crucial encounter.

Several players have shown remarkable consistency throughout the tournament. Second-row Warner Dearns, openside Kanji Shimokawa, and centre Dylan Riley have played every single minute of the competition so far, underlining their importance to the team’s structure and game plan.

Eddie Jones, speaking about the team’s preparation, said, “We’ve had a good, short preparation for Fiji, a little shorter than we normally have, but we’ve made up for that with our enthusiasm and energy.” He acknowledged the challenge ahead, noting, “Fiji are a very good side that have improved a lot over the last 24 months particularly and they deserve their ranking of tenth in the world. But this is the sort of challenge we want.”

Japan’s journey to the final has been impressive, starting with a comfortable victory over Canada in Vancouver, followed by a solid win against the USA in Kumagaya, and culminating in their decisive 49-27 triumph over Samoa in the semi-final.

With conditions expected to be hot and wet in Osaka, with a chance of evening showers, both teams will need to adapt their strategies accordingly. Jones emphasised, “While both sides will be expecting a highly physical contest, the team that can handle the conditions best will put themselves in the strongest position to win the match.”