THE FIJI Water Flying Fijians are one step away from successfully defending their Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup title after beating Canada 45-29 in their semi-final in Osaka, Japan on Saturday night.
Fiji made the perfect start when backrower Kitione Salawa scored inside the opening minute to put the defending champions ahead 7-0.
The Flying Fijians continued to apply pressure and were rewarded when scrum-half Frank Lomani crossed for their second try.
Canada responded through Mason Flesch, but Fiji remained in control and extended its advantage before taking a 26-17 lead into halftime.
The Canadians came out strongly after the break and continued to test Fiji’s defence, but the Flying Fijians had enough attacking firepower to maintain their lead.
Armstrong-Ravula was again among the points for Fiji, while Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova also played important roles in the team’s attacking efforts.
Canada refused to give up and managed to add points of its own, but Fiji stayed composed in the closing stages to secure the win.
The result puts Fiji into the final, where it will meet Japan.
Japan booked its place in the decider after a convincing 63-14 victory over the United States in the other semi-final.
The Flying Fijians will now turn their attention to Japan as they look to finish their campaign strongly and retain the Pacific Nations Cup title.
Fiji takes on Japan at 7.05pm at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo this Saturday.
