Fiji defeated Japan 34-28 in Tokyo on Saturday, giving new head coach Jake White a winning start ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The match marked White’s reunion with Japan coach Eddie Jones, who previously served as technical adviser to South Africa when White led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007.
White, 62, was appointed Fiji coach this month after previously working with teams in Australia, France and Japan. South Africans Gert Smal and Allister Coetzee are reportedly assisting him in his new role.
The encounter was played in rainy conditions and featured several changes in the lead as both teams scored three first-half tries.
Fiji ultimately secured the victory through two second-half penalties from substitute Ben Volavola.
Japan and Fiji Trade Tries in Entertaining First Half
Japan made an early impression in front of their home supporters, with Naoto Saito scoring the opening try in the fourth minute.
Fiji responded just over five minutes later when Kitione Salawa crossed the line. The visitors then moved ahead after captain Tevita Ikanivere finished a counterattack.
Japan captain Warner Dearns restored parity with a powerful try, but Fiji regained the advantage when Tuidraki Samusamuvodre capitalised on an error in the Japanese defence.
The hosts responded again through Faulua Makisi, who scored after Fiji were reduced to 14 players following Motikai Murray’s yellow card in the 35th minute.
Murray’s yellow card was subsequently upgraded to a red, leaving Fiji with a further disciplinary setback during the contest.
Volavola’s Penalties Secure Fiji’s Victory
Fiji regained the lead four minutes into the second half when Terio Tamani scored another try.
Japan responded through Dearns, who completed his second try of the match to bring the hosts back into contention.
However, Volavola’s two penalties after the break proved decisive, allowing Fiji to move ahead and maintain their advantage until the final whistle.
The result gave White a victory in his first match in charge of Fiji and came less than a month after Japan defeated the island nation 20-15 in the Pacific Nations Cup final in Tokyo.
White Reunites With Former South Africa Colleague Jones
White’s meeting with Jones brought together two coaches who previously worked together during South Africa’s successful 2007 World Cup campaign.
White led the Springboks in 54 Test matches, recording 36 victories, 17 defeats and one draw. His win percentage during that period was 66.7%.
Jones, who is now coaching Japan, served as South Africa’s technical adviser during that World Cup-winning campaign.
Coetzee, another South African reportedly assisting White with Fiji, later coached the Springboks in 25 Tests. His record included 11 wins, 12 defeats and two draws, giving him a win percentage of 44%.
Teams Prepare for European Fixtures
Saturday’s match served as preparation for both teams ahead of their European tours next month as part of the Nations Championship.
Japan are scheduled to face Wales, England and Scotland, while Fiji will take on France, Ireland and Italy.
The Tokyo fixture also marked the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union, with the Japanese team wearing specially designed white commemorative shirts for the occasion.
