Except nothing less than a battle on Sunday in Salt Lake City, Utah where the FIJI Water Flying Fijians will take on Japan in the final of the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup.
It will be a repeat of last year’s final where Fiji outclassed Japan to hoist the Cup that head coach Mick Byrne and his men are now defending.
After watching Japan’s 62-24 demolition of Tonga in the semi-final on Monday, Byrne knows that the final will be no walk in the park.
“We know that we are going to be in for a battle next week.
“I was watching them play so we’ll be ready, we will prepare for that. We’ve got a few things that we need to focus on ourselves,” he said.
Comparing the performance of both teams in the semi-finals, Fiji had to play with 13 men at one point of the match as Mesake Doge and Etonia Waqa were sent to the bin.
Japan on the other hand, had no cards given.
“We sort of lost our way in terms of discipline, but we are able to still put points on the board,” the head coach said.
Captain Tavita Ikanivere labelled the Japanese as a very quality, fast-paced side.
They clash on Sunday at 1.35pm.
Tonga and Canada will play in the third place-playoff at 10.35 am.
