The FIJI Water Flying Fijians spoiled Japan’s centenary rugby celebrations with a hard-fought 34-28 victory at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Tokyo yesterday, avenging their Pacific Nations Cup final defeat through a powerful breakdown performance and composed game management.
Fiji had to dig deep to overcome a determined Brave Blossoms outfit, with replacement prop Mesake Doge winning two crucial penalties in the final quarter, including one in the dying moments, to deny Japan a late comeback.
The hosts struck first after capitalising on an error by fullback Isacc Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, scoring from a rolling maul to take a 7-0 lead in the sixth minute.
Fiji responded with sustained pressure inside Japan’s 10-metre area, with Kitione Salawa crossing for the equalising try in the ninth minute. Flyhalf Isaiah Ravula converted before a break by Samusamuvodre paved the way for captain Tevita Ikanivere to score five minutes later.
Ravula’s conversion put Fiji ahead 14-7.
Japan hit back through their captain, who broke Fiji’s defensive line to score in the 22nd minute, levelling the contest at 14-14.
The Flying Fijians regained the lead three minutes later when Samusamuvodre finished a well-executed kick-and-chase move initiated by halfback Terio Tamani. Ravula converted to give Fiji a 21-14 advantage.
However, Japan exploited their rolling maul to score again before half-time, drawing the scores level at 21-21.
Fiji faced further adversity when No. 8 Motikai Murray received a yellow card in the 34th minute for a dangerous tackle.
The sanction was subsequently upgraded to red, leaving the visitors to navigate a challenging period with a numerical disadvantage for another 10 minutes before his replacement came back on.
The Flying Fijians responded with determination after the break.
A bone-crunching tackle and turnover by Isoa Nasilasila gave Fiji possession before the ball was moved wide and Tamani finished the attack in the 44th minute. Ravula converted to restore Fiji’s seven-point lead.
Japan’s captain struck again with a converted try to level the scores at 28-28, setting up a tense final quarter.
Fiji’s defensive pressure and effective kick-and-chase game then proved decisive.
Pressure on Tamani’s box kick forced Japan into an infringement, allowing replacement Ben Volavola to land a penalty and put Fiji ahead 31-28.
Volavola added another penalty to extend the lead to 34-28.
Japan fought desperately to find a late breakthrough, but Fiji breakdown work helped Fiji close out the match, with a crucial penalty in the final minute extinguishing the hosts’ hopes of a dramatic finish.
Japan coach Eddie Jones acknowledged Fiji’s strength at the breakdown, while Flying Fijians head coach Jake White praised his players’ game management.
The victory gives Fiji a measure of redemption after their PNC final disappointment, and a great platform to launch their November tour.
