TOKYO – Japan clinched the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time since 2019 with a 20-15 win over Fiji in Saturday’s title decider.
Replacement back Samisoni Tua gave Eddie Jones’ team a decisive lead when he broke a 15-15 deadlock with his try in the 72nd minute at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.
The two sides were meeting in the tournament final for the third consecutive year, with the Brave Blossoms looking to reverse defeats in the previous two editions.
Japan fullback Sam Greene opened the scoring with a penalty before record seven-time champions Fiji hit back through a Virimi Vakatawa try and Caleb Muntz conversion to take a 7-3 lead.
The momentum shifted when Fiji’s Mesake Doge was shown a yellow card in the 19th minute. Japan quickly capitalized, with Mamoru Harada crossing for a try in the 22nd minute before Greene added the conversion to restore a three-point advantage.
Despite playing down a man, Fiji were able to find a second try through Tevita Ikanivere and retake the lead in the 27th minute, with Muntz missing the conversion to leave his side ahead 12-10 until the break.
Japan lock Ben Gunter powered across the line to give his side a 15-12 lead in the 58th minute, before Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula slotted a penalty to put Fiji on level terms.
After Japan kicked for touch from a penalty, Tua burst over from an ensuing ruck.
“We’ve been beaten in the final the last two years and to win at home, with a great crowd here, is good for the team’s development,” Jones said. “What I was really pleased about was our defensive effort today. We’re not known as a defensive team, and we really barred up today.”
Canada defeated the United States 19-16 in the third-place playoff played earlier at the stadium.