Fiji batter 14-man Japan to sweep Pacific Nations Cup

TOKYO : A formidable Fijian side took down Japan 35-12 to secure a clean sweep at the final game of the Pacific Nations Cup in front of a packed crowd at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Stadium on Saturday.

Fiji were dominant throughout, punishing Japan after they were reduced to 14 men early in the first half when flanker Lappies Labuschagne was shown a red for contact to the head of centre Vilimoni Botitu.

The Fijians already had the lead after turning over a ruck in Japan's half, leaving captain Waisea Nayacalevu to run in a try off two neat offloads.

Even absent the extra man advantage, FIji's superior strength, speed and handling were all on display, auguring well for their World Cup campaign in France in September and October.

Japan were run ragged for the rest of the half; Fijian loosehead prop Eroni Mawi crossed in the 18th minute and imperious scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli contorted himself over the line off a five-metre scrum just before the break.

Despite some patches of promise in the second half, Japan struggled to string together more than a few phases in attack, while Fiji scored again in the 58th minute and had a further two tries disallowed.

Nevertheless, Japan did not fold to the end and Fiji-born wingers Jone Naikabula and Semisi Masirewa deserved their consolation tries, having periodically threatened the Fijian back line throughout in the second half.

A final length-of-the-pitch try by Fiji's replacement scrumhalf Frank Lomani ended the punishment, but Japan coach Jamie Joseph might be concerned at two defeats by Pacific island opposition ahead of the World Cup.

Fiji were already certain of wrapping up a sixth Pacific Nations Cup title before the match. Samoa, who beat Japan in Sapporo in round one, finished second