Clinical Japan stun Fiji in Kamaishi

Fiji’s hopes to retain their Pacific Nations Cup title were dealt a potentially fatal blow as they were well beaten by a clinical Japan side by 34-21 in Kamaishi. The newly-constructed Unosumai Stadium proved a wonderful venue with a passionate crowd treated to an entertaining match in a preview of the upcoming World Cup.

Discipline and accuracy contributed to Fiji’s defeat. Yu Tamura punished an early penalty and on advantage, the flyhalf put in a risky chip-kick behind the Fijian line that landed perfectly for Kenki Fukuoka to score the first try in the corner.

A response came with a classic Fijian try. Semi Kunatani, who enjoyed a storming match, sprinted clear from his side of halfway. His offload to Frank Lomani was returned off the deck, and Kunatani again freed his arms in the tackle to send Levani Botia in for the score. Ben Volavola’s conversion sailed through the uprights to make it a one-point game.

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