FIJI Water Flying Fijians head coach Simon Raiwalui says his team is “on track” for the Rugby World Cup after beating Japan 35-12 to lift the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.
The win secured a clean sweep at the final game of the Pacific Nations Cup in front of a packed crowd at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Stadium after earlier wins over Tonga and Samoa.
The wins have given Fiji momentum ahead of the world cup in France, where they will face Australia, Wales, Georgia and Portugal in Pool C.
Raiwalui’s side now heads to Europe to face France and England in final tune-up matches.
The coach said he “trusted in all the players” and is looking to take things up a notch before the team’s world cup opener against Wales on September 10.
“We’ve really worked hard on building the team spirit, building the team’s preparations,” said Raiwalui.
“We’re obviously very proud to get the three wins but we understand what the main focus is.
“Phase one, we’re on track and now we’ll start focusing on the next phase.”
Fiji scored three first-half tries and added two more after the break against Japan, who had loose forward Pieter Labuschagne sent off in just the seventh minute.
It was Japan’s second red card in three games, after former captain Michael Leitch was sent off in their defeat to Samoa two weeks ago.
It was also Japan’s last home game before heading to the World Cup, where they will face England, Argentina, Samoa and Chile in Pool D.
Fiji scored four tries in the first half-hour of their 33-19 win over Samoa the previous week, and they started quickly again against Japan.
Captain Waisea Nayacalevu stormed through the centre of the defence to score the opening try in the fourth minute.
Japan’s night went from bad to worse three minutes later when Labuschagne hit centre Vilimoni Botitu with a high tackle and was shown the red after a video review.
Eroni Mawi and Simione Kuruvoli scored further tries before the break, before Selestino Ravutaumada and substitute Frank Lomani added two more in the second half.
