This Saturday, all attention will be on Hanazono Rugby Stadium, where Japan will face Fiji in the final of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024. Both teams have shown exceptional form during the tournament, winning all three of their matches and securing their spots in the final with impressive semi-final victories.
Fiji boasts a strong legacy in this competition, having claimed five titles, and they enter the match as the team with the most tries and the best defense in the 2024 tournament. Conversely, Japan is coming off a clinical semi-final win over Samoa, and they will benefit from home support in Osaka Prefecture.
Prior to the final, the stadium will also host a third-place playoff between the USA and Samoa, providing both teams a chance to conclude their tournament on a positive note.
The final, scheduled for September 21, 2024, will mark the 20th test match between Japan and Fiji. Historically, Fiji has the upper hand, winning 15 of their previous encounters, while Japan has claimed victory in four matches. In their last six meetings, Fiji has won five, including a 35-12 victory in August of last year.
Fiji’s success in the Pacific Nations Cup is notable, with their last title coming in 2018. Japan has won the tournament three times, the most recent being in 2019, placing them just behind Fiji and Samoa in terms of overall victories.
As for Fiji’s recent form, they have not conceded any points in the second half of their matches during this tournament. In their semi-final against the USA, after trailing early on, they dominated with strong performances, including a standout showing from Elia Canakaivata, who has emerged as the tournament’s top try-scorer.
Japan, under coach Eddie Jones, has made significant strides, especially following a challenging June and July testing phase. They have excelled in set pieces, maintaining a perfect record in lineouts during the tournament, and displayed clinical efficiency against Samoa, scoring seven tries with minimal entering their opponent’s territory.
This final not only serves as a contest for the Pacific Nations Cup but also impacts the World Rugby Men’s Rankings. A win for Fiji could elevate them to ninth place, provided Australia loses to New Zealand by a sufficient margin. A victory for Japan would see them rise to 12th place, while a loss could see them fall to 14th.
In terms of team news, Fiji coach Mick Byrne has made one change to his lineup, bringing in Ilaisa Droasese for Epeli Momo. Meanwhile, Japan has retained its starting lineup from the semi-finals, with Junta Hamano making his tournament debut in the replacements.
The match will be officiated by Nic Berry, with Japan seeking their first win against him, while Fiji aims for their first victory under his refereeing.
The excitement builds as both teams prepare for a thrilling encounter this Saturday.