Japan Pacific Nations Cup 2026: Japan Beat Fiji in Tokyo Final

Japan Pacific Nations Cup 2026 honours went to the hosts on Saturday after they beat Fiji 20 to 15 in the final in Tokyo. According to Arab News Japan, which carried an AFP report, substitute Samisoni Tua scored the deciding try in the 72nd minute. The result gave Japan their first title in the tournament since 2019.

Japan Pacific Nations Cup 2026 Final Settled by Late Samisoni Tua Try

The match was played at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium on a wet pitch. The report said the conditions made it hard for Japan to play their fast passing game. The competition has changed format several times over the years.

Fiji scored first when Virimi Vakatawa broke through several tackles in the 11th minute. Fiji prop Mesake Doge was then shown a yellow card midway through the first half. Japan capitalised, according to the report, when Mamoru Harada scored in the 22nd minute.

Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere replied with a try five minutes later. The Fijians kept a slender lead as the second half began without a score. Ben Gunter then crossed for Japan in the 58th minute.

Fiji levelled the match with a penalty. Tua then scored Japan's third try to settle the Pacific Nations Cup final. Earlier on Saturday, Canada took third place by beating the United States 19 to 16.

Eddie Jones Japan Reaction and Fiji Rugby Team Response

Head coach Eddie Jones called the win "a good step forward" for his side. He said the team could not get its attack going but showed strong intensity in defence. Jones added that he had never faced a Fiji side that made so few line breaks.

The Japan rugby team relied on its set piece for points, Jones said. He described the conditions as difficult. The report said Japan had lost a number of close contests over the past year, and Jones said the win would help his players.

This was a measure of revenge in the Japan vs Fiji rugby rivalry. Fiji had beaten Japan in the previous two finals, in Osaka in 2024 and in Salt Lake City last year. They were seeking a third straight title.

Fiji interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula said playing with 14 men was an unexpected setback. He said his side defended for more than 20 minutes, which he described as one of the areas that hurt them.

The Fiji rugby team came into the tournament after a difficult run in the inaugural Nations Championship this year. The report said they conceded more than 140 points in defeats to Wales, England and Scotland. Ikanivere said the team had improved since then, showing effort and physicality, but gave away too many penalties at the breakdown.

What the Japan Rugby Victory Means for the Tournament Record

The Japan rugby victory ends a run of two straight final defeats to Fiji. The details in this article come from a single AFP report carried by Arab News Japan and could not be independently verified. The report did not give details of Japan's next fixtures.

The Japan Pacific Nations Cup 2026 result also marks Japan's first title in the competition since 2019, according to the report.

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Official Source: https://www.arabnews.jp/