Olympic silver medalist Ponipate Loganimasi made an impressive debut for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians, scoring two tries as the team triumphed over Japan with a score of 41-17 in the Pacific Nations Cup final held in Osaka last night.
Loganimasi entered the game from the bench in the second half, contributing to a strong performance by the Fijian side, which was evenly matched in the first half, ending the period tied at 10-10.
Japan began the scoring with a penalty kick from fullback Seungsin Lee in the seventh minute. However, Fiji quickly responded, with Caleb Muntz equalizing just a minute later with a perfectly placed kick.
Japan’s center Dylan Riley then broke through the Fijian defense to score a try, giving Japan a 10-3 lead in the 19th minute, which was successfully converted. Fiji attempted to score with a try from inside center Inia Tabuavou, but it was ruled out after a TMO review.
Despite this setback, winger Vuate Karawalevu managed to score in the 31st minute, converting the try and bringing the teams level at halftime.
In the second half, Fiji took control of the game, with Muntz kicking a penalty in the 54th minute to make it 13-10. Loganimasi then entered the field and quickly scored a try in the corner.
Fiji continued to dominate, with Albert Tuisue scoring the third converted try in the 63rd minute. Karawalevu added his second try of the night, set up by flanker Kitione Salawa.
Loganimasi capped off his debut with a second try, solidifying Fiji’s victory, while Japan managed to score a late consolation try to acknowledge their fighting spirit.