Japan target first Pacific Nations Cup title in Tokyo final against reigning champions Fiji

Japan face Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup Final at Tokyo’s Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday, with assistant coach Neil Hatley declaring the trophy an “absolute priority” as the Brave Blossoms bid to end their rivals’ run of consecutive titles.

Fiji are chasing a third straight Pacific Nations Cup crown. They claimed the title when the final was last held in Japan two years ago, then backed it up with a six-point victory over Japan in Utah last year. For the Brave Blossoms, ending that streak on home soil carries particular weight.

“It means everything… for our part of the world, it’s a really big tournament,” Hatley told reporters ahead of the match. “We’ve given it absolute priority. As a team we want to win this tournament. We went very close last year in America… it’s a huge priority for us, for this young group, we want to win this tournament, especially here in Tokyo.”

Japan arrive in the final in strong form under Eddie Jones. After opening their international season with a win over Six Nations side Italy and then suffering defeats to Ireland, France, and Australia, the Brave Blossoms bounced back with a 45-point victory over Canada in the JRFU’s 100th anniversary match. They then secured their place in the final with a commanding 63-14 demolition of the USA Eagles in Osaka, leading 28-0 after just 16 minutes.

Fiji, meanwhile, dispatched Canada 45-29 in Osaka last weekend, with Kitione Salawa scoring after just 21 seconds to set the tone for their title defence. Interim coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made changes for the final, bringing fly-half Caleb Muntz into the starting side and shifting Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to fullback, with the dual playmaker combination expected to drive Fiji’s attack.

Hatley acknowledged the threat Fiji pose, particularly in broken play. “We know an area that they’re very good at is the transition, turnover ball. We have to be very sharp tomorrow in terms of looking after the ball well because we want to play, and then when we do turn the ball over, or when they do get quick ball, we have to really defend well. They’re one of the best teams in the world in broken play.”

With Fiji ranked ninth in the world and Japan 11th, Hatley framed the final as a genuine top-ten clash. The home crowd at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium will back Japan as they look to snap their losing streak in PNC finals and deliver a first title for the Brave Blossoms in the tournament’s latest edition.