FIJI Water Flying Fijians beat Japan and crowned the July Test Series champs
FIJI Water Flying Fijians have been crowned the Lipovitan D Challenge Cup champions after beating Japan 35-12 in their final test match at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium tonight.
Tries from Waisea Nayacalevu, Eroni Mawi, Simi Kuruvoli and a double from Frank Lomani helped the islanders to an impressive win over the Brave Blossoms.
Ben Volavola added eight points off the tee, while for Japan, their scores came via Jone Naikabula and Semisi Masirewa, meaning they finish third on the table.
After withstanding an early attack from Japan, the FIJI Water Flying Fijians broke downfield, and with just three minutes on the clock, center and skipper Nayacalevu raced under the uprights.
Volavola added the simple conversion to move his outfit 7-0 to the good in a score that settled any nerves whilst denting the confidence and noise in the crowd.
The hosts’ dismal start was compounded soon after when Lappies Labuschagne was red-carded for making head-on-head contact with Vilimoni Botitu in a tackle.
FIJI Water Flying Fijians would make them pay on 17 minutes as prop Mawi claimed their second try of the game as he crashed over before Volavola made it a 14-point advantage.
The FIJI Water Flying Fijians weren’t done in the first half either as scrum-half Kuruvoli scooted over, with Volavola’s conversion sending the visitors in 21-0 in the lead.
Volavola would miss a long-range penalty attempt shortly after the resumption, but he would convert replacement Lomani’s try from in front on 58 minutes.
FIJI Water Flying Fijians then had two tries disallowed by the match officials due to obstruction and a knock-on which kept the scoreline at 28-0 with 17 minutes to play.
And with nine minutes remaining, Japan finally had something to show for their hard work, wing Naikabula getting to his feet after not being held for the try.
Masirewa would dive over on the left wing to make it 28-12, with the conversion unsuccessful before Lomani struck in added time to add gloss to Fiji’s victory.
FIJI Water Fiji Flying Head Coach Simon congratulated the team for the win and said it wasn’t easy playing Japan at their home today.
“We came prepared for the strong and physical Japanese side and we knew they will provide a tough game to us. As we are still in our preparation phase but we are extremely overwhelmed with the win tonight” said Raiwalui.
FIJI Water Flying Fijians Captain Waisea Nayacalevu said “We started very well and we knew Japan will be very strong in attack and defense therefore our main objective was to carry hard and win the advantage line,” said Nayacalevu.