Fiji and Japan, especially Japan, made statements this week in the Pacific Nations Cup.
Canada, riding high on a 34-20 win over the USA, were hit hard against the Brave Blossoms as Japan beat them 57-15. Canada only managed two tries, one in the first half from Sion Parry and then one at the end of the match with Jesse Mackail going over. Tyler Ardon, who scored four tries in the win over the USA last week, did not play.
Amato Fakatava and Kippei Ishida both scored two tries for Japan while Seungsin Lee continued his strong form as a goalkicker with 17 points from the boot. This result set Japan up as a likely finalist in the PNC.
Fiji, meanwhile, also brought it and defeated 1-0 Tonga 32-10. Tonga looked good early and Augustine Pulu's try in the opening minutes signaled reasons for optimism. But Fiji eventually answered with a try from Seta Tamanivalu. Midway through the first half Kalaveti Ravouvou scored, and with Caleb Muntz adding two conversions and a penalty, they led 17-7. It was 17-10 until midway through the second half, but Tongan hopes were dashed with two quick tries in the third quarter to win it for Fiji.
Fiji now takes on 0-1 Samoa next week. Japan faces the USA in Sacramento (tickets)
What it most likely now is that Fiji will win Pool A and play Canada in the semifinals in Denver. Japan will play Tonga (tickets)
Those semifinals will share a game-date with the very, very likely 5th-6th game of USA vs Samoa (tickets). That game will be a for a place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
