Fiji Survives Japanese Fightback to Claim Back-to-Back Pacific Nations Cup Titles

SALT LAKE CITY, USA – In a thrilling and nerve-shredding finale, the Flying Fijians have successfully defended their Pacific Nations Cup crown, holding off a ferocious second-half comeback from Japan to win 33-27 in a pulsating encounter.

The match, a classic tale of two halves, saw the ninth-ranked Fijians explode into a commanding lead before having to desperately defend with only 13 men to see off the challenge of Eddie Jones’s Brave Blossoms.

Japan, coached by the experienced Jones and ranked 13th in the world, started the stronger. Capitalizing on early Fijian indiscipline, hooker Hayate Era crashed over from a lineout maul in the 4th minute, with fly-half Seungsin Lee adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Lee extended the lead to 10-0 with a penalty in the 19th minute after a TMO review denied Era a second try, ruling the ball was held up over the line.

However, the Fijian response was immediate and electrifying. From the restart, a perfectly executed play saw fullback Ponipate Loganimasi tap the ball back, leading to lock Mesake Vocevoce powering over. Fly-half Caleb Muntz converted, closing the gap to 10-7.

The Fijians then seized control with a breathtaking display of running rugby. A sensational try from a stolen ball inside their own 22 ended with Center Inia Tabuavou scoring out wide. Captain and hooker Tevita Ikanivere then found his way to the line after a clever kick from Muntz, who converted both tries for a 19-10 lead.

The first-half highlight belonged to winger Joji Nasova, who was named Man of the Match. In the 39th minute, he received the ball near halfway, showcasing blistering speed, a powerful fend, and brilliant footwork to slice through the Japanese defense for a spectacular individual try. Muntz’s conversion sent Fiji into the break with a commanding 26-10 lead.

Nasova picked up where he left off after halftime, completing his brace just three minutes into the second period. After exchanging passes with scrum-half Frank Lomani, he dove over in the corner. Muntz’s flawless kicking continued, pushing the score to 33-10 and seemingly putting the game out of reach.
But Japan refused to surrender. Fullback Ichigo Nakakusu hit back with a pacey try in the 47th minute, and when Fiji’s number 8 Viliame Mata was yellow-carded in the 53rd minute, the momentum shifted decisively.

Exploiting their numerical advantage, Japan’s driving maul powered over, with Era grabbing his second try. Lee’s conversion brought the score to 33-24. The Fijian task became even more daunting when prop Eroni Mawi received a second yellow card for the team in the 62nd minute, reducing them to 13 men.
Lee kicked a penalty in the 65th minute to bring Japan within six points at 33-27, setting up a grandstand finish. Despite intense pressure and a two-man disadvantage, the Fijian defensive line held firm for the final 15 minutes, repelling wave after wave of Japanese attacks to secure a hard-fought victory.

Post-Match Reactions:
Man of the Match, Joji Nasova (Fiji): “My dream come true – last year during the South Pacific Games I was watching TV (watching the team win in Japan) but this year I’ve achieved my dream to play in the Finals.”

Japan Captain, Warner Dearns: “Tough 80 – we let them get away from us in the first half and we just couldn’t bring it back in the 2nd… it was some awesome rugby from both teams.”

Fiji Captain, Tevita Ikanivere: “I’m just proud of the 13 boys on the field and the 14 boys just working hard for each other… We talked about coming out to hunt… and coming out to harvest today.”

Japan Coach, Eddie Jones: “There are no positives when you don’t get the results you want… It’s a hard pill to swallow – we let Fiji play well in the 2nd half but let Fiji get away too much in the first half. I’d like to thank the people of Salt Lake City and USA Rugby for running a fantastic Pacific Nations Cup.”