Volavola's boot seals Fiji's first win under World Cup-winning coach Jake White

Ben Volavola slotted two crucial penalties in the final stages to give Fiji a 34-28 victory over Japan at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Saturday, handing new head coach Jake White a winning start to his tenure with the Flying Fijians.

White, appointed on October 13 following a stint as interim coach under Senirusi Seruvakula, took charge with an eye on Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia. The South African, who guided the Springboks to World Cup glory, faced an immediate test of his squad’s resilience when backrower Motikai Murray was shown a red card in the first half — a yellow card upgraded to a 20-minute red under review — leaving Fiji to play more than 20 minutes a man short.

Japan made the numerical advantage count immediately. No. 8 Lua Makisi crossed for a try that, combined with the conversion, levelled the scores at 21-21 heading into half-time. The Brave Blossoms had taken an early lead through hooker Mamoru Harada, who crashed over from a rolling maul after a sharp lineout from Harada to Warner Dearns, with fullback Takuro Matsunaga converting.

Fiji had responded sharply before the red card disrupted their rhythm, with Kitione Salawa and Tevita Ikanivere both crossing to give the visitors a 14-7 lead. Dearns and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre then effectively traded tries to keep the contest alive.

The second half followed a similarly tight pattern. Scrum-half Terio Tamani touched down for Fiji before Dearns completed a double to bring Japan level at 28-28 with around six minutes remaining. That was when Volavola, returning to Test rugby for the first time in approximately three years, stepped up to nail a penalty and edge Fiji ahead. He added a second shortly after to seal the result.

Japan dominated possession in the final ten minutes — holding 67 per cent of the ball — but were unable to convert their pressure into points. The hosts also recorded more 22 entries, more dominant tackles, and won the majority of statistical categories, yet it was Fiji who left Tokyo with the win.

The result is Fiji’s second victory of the season, following a clinical performance against Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup semi-finals. For Japan, it is a sobering follow-up to their PNC Final triumph over these same opponents on September 19, when Ben Gunter claimed Player of the Match honours as the Brave Blossoms claimed their first title in seven years.