Naevo May Miss Japan match

It has been billed "The rematch."

Japan's IRB Pacific Nations Cup match tomorrow against the Flying Fijians provides a chance to avenge a heartbreaking 35-31 loss in what was one of the best games of the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

Even the Brave Blossoms coach, John Kirwan got in on the act.

More importantly though, the game against Fiji gives Kirwan and his team a chance to prove that last week's win against Tonga, which helped Japan rise to a best-ever 15th in the IRB World Rankings, was no flash in the pan.

A victory over 10th ranked Fiji would confirm that Kirwan and Japan really do have a chance of cracking the top 10.

Meanwhile, Flying Fijians flanker Semisi Naevo may miss next week's match against Australia A. It is understood that he is likely to return after the Japan match to attend the funeral of his uncle Tui Nawaka, Ratu Apisai Naevo who passed away yesterday.

The Flying Fijians / Japan match will be played tomorrow at 5pm in Tokyo.