Japan demolish USA 63-14 to reach home Pacific Nations Cup Final against Fiji

Japan will contest a home Pacific Nations Cup Final after dismantling the USA 63-14 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka on Saturday. The Brave Blossoms opened the scoring inside the first minute and never looked back, setting up a Tokyo showdown with defending champions Fiji.

Yuya Hirose crashed over for the opening try before the clock had barely moved, and Japan followed it up almost immediately when second-rower Mike Stolbery added a second in the second minute. Dylan Riley then raced clear to extend the lead to 21-0, with outside centre capitalising on quick ball spread wide by Kanji Shimokawa and Sam Greene. Mamoru Harada added a fourth from a rolling maul inside the first quarter to put the contest beyond doubt early.

The USA did find moments to encourage their supporters. Shilo Klein scored after a sustained spell of attacking pressure midway through the first half, and outside centre Tavite Lopeti produced a remarkable individual effort — wrestling through two tackle attempts and carrying roughly 20 metres to score — to make it a more respectable scoreline at the interval. Chris Hilsenbeck converted both tries as the Eagles finished 28-14 down at the break.

Japan reasserted their dominance in the second half, eventually running out 63-14 winners to send the Osaka crowd home satisfied and set up a marquee final on home soil.

The semi-finals followed a similar pattern, with Fiji also racing into a commanding lead before Canada hit back late. Fiji led 45-17 with less than 20 minutes remaining before the Canadians scored two late tries, though it was not enough to deny the Flying Fijians their place in the final.

Fiji arrive in Tokyo as the tournament’s most decorated recent side. Captain Tevita Ikanivere was part of the squad that claimed the PNC title two years ago in Japan and again at the 2025 edition held in the United States. They will now face a Japan side brimming with confidence after their most complete performance of the tournament, with the added advantage of a home crowd behind them in the final.