Host nation Japan and defending champions Fiji brushed aside semi-final opponents USA and Canada in Higashiōsaka, at the weekend to set up a third showpiece meeting in as many years.
Japan 63-14 USA
Playing at a high tempo may be Japan’s path to success in this Pacific Nations Cup after a convincing victory in their semi-final, setting up a final against Fiji this weekend in Tokyo.
The speed with which Eddie Jones’ side moved the ball on Saturday in Higashiosaka was too much for the USA’s defence to handle, with Japan cruising to a 63-14 win and scoring nine tries along the way.
“We just need to learn to start faster and not wait for them to slow down,” USA captain Jason Damm said afterwards, which is astute analysis given Japan showed no intention of taking their foot off the pedal in attack. Trailing 28-0 after 16 minutes, the USA were never able to recover.
Perhaps the best statistic to illustrate Japan’s approach is an obvious one: passes made. Japan finished with 182 to the USA’s 98, a resounding difference which highlights their eagerness to move the ball around. Japan only had eight line breaks, but made them all count.
USA head coach Scott Lawrence was philosophical, acknowledging that the tough lessons taken onboard by his side would be beneficial going into next year’s Rugby World Cup, when the two sides will meet again in Pool E.
“If we want to build real depth, we have to put players in these environments, challenge them, and learn from the experience.”
Top performers
Sam Greene (Japan) – Greene as a young prospect in Australia was rated by some as the best goalkicker in the country.
After a decade playing in Japan for a number of clubs – Toyota Industries Corporation Shuttles Aichi, Shizuoka Blue Revs and now JR East Green Warriors Tokatsu – the Brisbane-born full-back made his Brave Blossoms debut last year against Wales and has been in the mix ever since.
Greene had a big night against the USA, converting all nine of Japan’s tries and adding one of his own late in the second half after a break from Tiennan Costley. That try took Greene’s personal tally in the match to 23 points.
Tavite Lopeti (USA) – In a game where the USA had little opportunity to impress on attack Lopeti’s impressive try, shrugging off multiple Japanese tacklers, was a highlight.
The California-born centre, now with the Chicago Hounds having previously played for the Seattle Seawolves and San Diego Legion, was the USA’s top carrier and beat multiple defenders against Japan.
Fiji 45-29 Canada
Fiji only needed 20 seconds to strike first against Canada. Kitione Salawa’s quick-thinking paid off, charging down Canada scrum-half Jason Higgins and following up with some great athleticism to score in the corner.
Given that fast start for Fiji – tournament favourites looking to win the PNC for the third time in a row – Canada deserve credit for remaining competitive throughout the first half, scoring tries through flankers Mason Flesch and Sion Parry to keep in touch heading into half-time.
After the break, however, Fiji pulled clear. There are no Top 14 players available to interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula during the PNC, making this an opportunity for Fiji to broaden their depth and try out new players and combinations.
Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere suggested to RugbyPass TV that Fiji were not physical enough early on. “I think we need to be more physical at the beginning of the game to stop the opposition from having a crack,” he said.
Ikanivere scored himself and also made a great break and offload to set up one of Fiji’s tries for front-row colleague Peni Ravai.
Had it not been for Isoa Nasilasila’s late red card for a neck roll, then perhaps Fiji would have won more comfortably, with the pick of their seven tries arguably a long-range effort finished by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula after Manasa Mataele’s break.
Top performers
Motikiai Murray (Fiji) – One of the clearer player of the match awards you will see this year, with Murray busy all over the field for Fiji.
The openside flanker scored two tries, holding off two tacklers for his first score before bursting off a maul. Combine that with winning three turnovers and making a dozen tackles and Murray had a great afternoon.
Lucas Rumball (Canada) – Canada’s captain set the tone with an industrious performance, leading all players with 19 carries and also finishing as the game’s top tackler with 14.
Rumball said afterwards that he was pleased to see Canada dig in to remain competitive. “I thought the boys showed a lot of grit and determination throughout the game, and I’m really happy to see so many young guys stepping up and taking on bigger roles.”
