Fiji beat Japan 34-28 to avenge Pacific Nations Cup loss

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 11:20 · Archive

Fiji defeated Japan 34-28 in a rugby Test in Tokyo on Saturday, avenging a loss in the Pacific Nations Cup final five weeks earlier.

Fiji defeated Japan 34-28 in a rugby Test at Chichibunomiya Stadium in central Tokyo on Saturday, avenging a Pacific Nations Cup final loss from five weeks earlier. The match marked the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union. Both teams played attacking rugby with quick hands and expansive runs despite wet conditions, trading end-to-end attacks with powerful tackles and flair.

Fiji dominated in open play with pace and footwork, while Japan found success at the maul, scoring two tries off lineout mauls in the first half. The sides were tied at three converted tries each at the interval. Fiji maintained momentum after half-time to finish ahead by two penalty conversions, securing the six-point victory.

Key moments included a thundering tackle on Japanese inside centre Charlie Lawrence that forced a turnover on the Fijian 5-metre line, allowing winger Nacani Boginisoko to run the length of the pitch and offload to scrum half Terio Tamani for Fiji's fourth try. Fiji displayed attacking flair earlier when outside centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre's angled run through the Japanese defence created their second try in the 14th minute. Japanese captain Warner Dearns led the resistance with powerful tackles and scored two tries himself.

Fiji played with 14 men for 20 minutes after number 8 Motikiai Murray received a penalty for a dangerous tackle in the 34th minute, but maintained their advantage despite the numerical disadvantage.

How it is being reported

• Fiji avenge Pacific Nations Cup loss with win in JapanFiji have enjoyed a tight win over Japan in their rugby Test in Tokyo, with big hits and flair a feature for both sides.Perth Now · 24 Oct, 10:48
• Fiji avenge Pacific Nations Cup loss with win in JapanFiji have enjoyed a tight win over Japan in their rugby Test in Tokyo, with big hits and flair a feature for both sides.The West Australian · 24 Oct, 10:48

In this story: Fiji · Japan · Tokyo · Nacani Boginisoko · Warner Dearns · Tuidraki Samusamuvodre · Terio Tamani

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