Japan end Fiji's Pacific Nations Cup reign with 20-15 victory in Tokyo final

Japan ended Fiji’s grip on the Pacific Nations Cup with a hard-fought 20-15 victory in the 2026 final in Tokyo on Saturday, ending a run of two consecutive final defeats to the Flying Fijians. The Brave Blossoms controlled large portions of the contest through their forward pack, but were made to work for the win by a Fiji side that showed plenty of fight throughout.

Japan looked dominant from the opening whistle, with their set-piece providing a consistent platform. Fullback Sam Greene opened the scoring with a penalty from in front of the posts, rewarding a period of near-total possession for the hosts. But Fiji responded quickly and emphatically — Virimi Vakatawa received the ball from an attacking scrum five metres out and bulldozed over the line, carrying three or four defenders with him, with Caleb Muntz converting to give Fiji the lead.

Greene had the chance to close the gap shortly after but hooked his second penalty attempt wide, having scored more than 20 points himself in Japan’s semi-final win over the USA Eagles in Osaka. The first half continued to swing back and forth. Fiji were reduced to 14 men when Mesake Doge was shown a yellow card close to the try line, but Japan failed to capitalise after an overthrow at the resulting lineout gifted possession back to the visitors.

Japan made no such mistake at their next attacking lineout inside the red zone. Front-rower Mamoru Harada, who had delivered an accurate throw to set up the maul, was the one crashing over for the try. Greene’s conversion put Japan three points ahead, but Fiji captain Tevita Ikanivere responded almost immediately, finishing off a clever set-piece move down the left sideline to restore Fiji’s advantage at 12-10 heading into the break.

Despite conceding eight penalties in the first half alone and turning the ball over nine times, Japan held 74 per cent of territory in the opening period — a statistical dominance that would eventually tell as the match wore on. The Brave Blossoms ultimately found the points they needed in the second half to seal a 20-15 victory and dethrone the two-time defending champions.