Flying Fijians beat Japan, will face Samoa in PNC final

The Vodafone Flying Fijians defeated Japan 27-22 in a nail biting encounter in their last Pacific Nations Cup pool match this morning.

Josh Matavesi scored a total of 17 points after scoring a try, kicking three conversions and two penalties.

Fiji was leading 24-9 at half time with tries from Matavesi, Tevita Cavubati and Metuisela Talebula.

The national side again lacked consistency in the second half after Japan came back to score a try and kicked two penalties which almost resulted in an upset.

The match saw Fiji being heavily penalized as the team got three yellow cards with Leone Nakarawa collapsing Japan’s rolling maul, Campese Ma’afu collapsing the scrum while Manasa Saulo was also sent off for not rolling away after making a tackle.

The Flying Fijians were left with 13 players to defend their try line but managed to hold off the Japanese side in the final minute.

Captain Akapusi Qera thanked Japan for a great game and says they will take the win and move on with their campaign.

Coach John Mckee says he was impressed with the effort made by the players to defend their line in the last five minutes of the game.

The Vodafone Flying Fijians will now meet Samoa in the Pacific Nations Cup final next week. 

Samoa edged Canada 21-20 in their match while Tonga beat USA 33-19.