This Saturday, Hanazono Rugby Stadium will be the center of attention as Japan faces Fiji in the final of the 2024 Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup. Both teams have shown exemplary performance in the tournament, winning all three of their matches and securing their places in the final with convincing victories in the semi-finals.
Fiji, the most successful team in the history of the competition with five titles, boasts the top try-scorer of this year’s tournament and a formidable defense. In contrast, Japan arrives in Osaka Prefecture buoyed by a strong semi-final win against Samoa, taking advantage of their home crowd support.
Ahead of the final, there will be a third-place playoff featuring the USA and Samoa, both aiming to conclude their tournament on a positive note.
The match on September 21, 2024, will mark the 20th test encounter between Japan and Fiji, with Fiji holding the upper hand historically, having won 15 of the previous 19 meetings. In their last six encounters, Fiji has emerged victorious in five, including a commanding 35-12 win last August.
Fiji’s previous success in the Pacific Nations Cup includes five championships, with their latest title being in 2018. Japan has claimed the trophy three times, with their most recent victory occurring in 2019.
The Flying Fijians have been particularly impressive, not conceding a single point in the second half of the tournament, highlighted by their semi-final victory over the USA. Fiji took charge of that match, ultimately winning 22-3, with standout performances including a solid showing from Elia Canakaivata, who has scored four tries throughout the tournament.
Japan, on the other hand, has shown remarkable precision in their play. Under head coach Eddie Jones, the team has maintained a flawless record in lineouts and solidified their scrum performance during their semi-final triumph over Samoa, where they secured seven tries from just eleven entries into the opponents’ 22.
With both teams committed to an attacking style of play, fans can expect an exciting final. Additionally, world rankings will be affected by the result, with Fiji potentially rising to ninth if they defeat Japan and Australia loses to New Zealand. Conversely, Japan could secure the 12th rank with a victory or potentially drop to 14th if they lose.
Fiji’s coach Mick Byrne has made a single change to the team, bringing in Ilaisa Droasese on the left wing. Japan remains largely unchanged, with Eddie Jones retaining the lineup that defeated Samoa last week, except for adding uncapped player Junta Hamano to the bench.
The match will be refereed by Nic Berry, who has officiated multiple games involving both teams, with Fiji seeking their first win under his supervision.