The Flying Fijians are on the verge of defending their Pacific Nations Cup title after a hard-fought 22-3 semi-final victory against the USA in Tokyo, Japan, on Saturday night. Coached by Mick Byrne, the team now looks ahead to the final where they will face the winner of the Japan vs. Samoa match, which took place late last night.
Byrne emphasized that their work is not finished, stating, “Job’s not done yet.” He acknowledged the need to analyze their performance and improve before the final. The coach praised the players for their effort, especially acknowledging the tough competition posed by the USA.
Caleb Muntz, who stepped up as captain after Tevita Ikanivere received a yellow card, played a crucial role in the game alongside rookie fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Despite struggling early with lineout throws, Ikanivere’s team overcame handling errors that could have given the USA more attacking opportunities. Fiji’s strong defensive performance, coupled with their domination in scrums, ultimately secured their victory.
In other news, Tonga concluded their competition with a 30-17 win against Canada in the fifth-place playoff, extending their winning streak against Canada to five matches. After a sluggish start, Tonga, guided by player of the match Patrick Pellegrini, showcased their attacking capabilities. Siosiua Moala scored the first try, followed by a spectacular effort from John Tapueluelu. Despite pressure from Canada in the second half, Tonga’s robust defense held strong, culminating in a win that Tonga captain Ben Tameifuna praised as a vital stepping stone toward their World Cup ambitions in Australia.