Eddie Jones’ Japan have suffered a painful 41-17 defeat to Fiji within the Pacific Nations Cup remaining in Osaka.
The fast-starting Japanese, coached by former Wallabies and England boss Jones, have been worn down by Fiji at Hanazono Stadium with weight and velocity and with impression off the bench, scoring 5 tries — two extra have been disallowed — for a record-extending sixth PNC title, and first since 2018.
“A few our younger guys right now struggled with the event,” Australian Jones stated.
“Sadly the one approach to be taught from that’s to have it, and I’m certain they’re going to be higher for it.”
After early penalty kicks, Japan centre Dylan Riley scored a superb solo attempt by reducing inside three defenders and amassing his personal chip.
Counterpart Inia Tabuavou then had a attempt chalked off by a knock-on within the buildup, however Fiji ultimately tied the rating towards the run of play when wing Vuate Karawalevu touched down.
Fiji began the brand new half with a person benefit whereas Japan hooker Mamoru Harada was sin-binned. Standout flyhalf Caleb Muntz had a attempt disallowed due to obstruction however his 56th- minute penalty gave Fiji the lead for the primary time.
Alternative Ponepati Loganimasi then completed a attempt on his check debut and a minute later, Fiji have been in once more via substitute ahead Albert Tuisue.
Fiji crossed twice extra within the subsequent eight minutes, Loganimasi’s offload launched Karawalevu for his second attempt, then Loganimasi broke from a midfield ruck and stepped the final defender for attempt quantity two.
Muntz kicked six from six and let Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula convert their final attempt.
Tuitama gave Japan some comfort with the final transformed attempt however the hosts misplaced to Fiji for the sixth time of their final seven contests.
© AAP
