Conceding too many penalties proved too costly for the FIJI Water Flying Fijians as they went down 20-15 to Japan in the 2026 Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup final at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
This was the third consecutive time the two teams had met in the final.
Fiji conceded 14 penalties, where Japan had only 5.
The final did not disappoint, with the match going down to the wire.
The game was filled with intensity as both teams hunted for the win.
Virimi Vakatawa scored the first try of the match, putting Fiji 7-3 ahead, but Japan responded with a try from Mamoru Harada to take a 10-7 lead.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere then crossed the try line in the 26th minute to put the Fijians back in front, 12-10.
Fiji continued to commit mistakes, giving Japan plenty of possession, but they held their line to take a 12-10 lead into halftime.
The second half was played with the same intensity as the Japanese side brought their A-game, putting pressure on the Fijians and disrupting their game plan.
Japan managed to score two more tries in the second half through Ben Gunter and Samisoni Tua to put the Fijians on the back foot.
The final five minutes saw both teams produce some spectacular rugby, but in the end, Japan’s defence stood tall to secure the victory.
Fiji vs Japan
Live updates
4' Japan on attack, putting pressure on the defending champions. They get a penalty inside Fiji's territory. They go for the sticks. FJ 0-0 JAP
5' Japan converts a penalty. FJ 0-3 JAP
8' Great pressure for Fiji, pushing back the Japanese. Fiji gets a scrum inside Japan's 22 metre. FJ 0-3 JAP
10' Try to Fiji. Virimi Vakatawa. FJ 7-3 JAP
13' Fiji penalised inside their own territory. Japan go for the 3 points but unsuccessful. FJ 7-3 JAP
18' Mesake Doge shown a yellow card. Fiji making continuous infringements and now they are down one men. FJ 7-3 JAP
21' Try to Japan. Mamoru Harada. FJ 7-10 JAP
25' Try to Fiji. Tevita Ikanivere. FJ 12-10 JAP
34' What a defence from Japan. FJ 12-10 JAP
40' Fiji frustrating Japan. Fiji gets a scrum, they go for the break. FJ 12-10 JAP
HT: FJ 12-10 JAP
Second half
Kick off- FIJI
41' Japan gets a penalty. FJ 12-10 JAP
45' Fiji defending well causing Japan to commit mistakes. FJ 12-10 JAP
50' Fiji penalised for a high tackle. FJ 12-10 JAP
56' Fiji outmuscled in the scrums and rucks. FJ 12-10 JAP
58' Try to Japan. Ben Gunter. FJ 12-15 JAP
63' Fiji wins a penalty. Brilliant play from Elia Canakaivata. Fiji go for the 3-points. FJ 12-15 JAP
64' Caleb Muntz converts a penalty. FJ 15-15 JAP
66' Fiji starting to get their rhythm right. They get a scrum inside the Japan's territory and a chance to put them in the lead. FJ 15-15 JAP
71' Try to Japan. Samisoni Tua. FJ 15-20 JAP
