Fijivillage
21 February, 2026, 3:27 am
Central - 23°C Clouds
21 February, 2026, 3:27 am Central - 23°C Clouds

Eddie Jones admits Flying Fijians were too strong last year as Japan brace for PNC final

Eddie Jones admits Flying Fijians were too strong last year as Japan brace for PNC final

By Rashika Kumar
18/09/2025
Source : Rugby pass

The FIJI Water Flying Fijians are primed for Pacific Nations Cup glory as they prepare to face a fired-up Japan in the final, with the Cherry Blossoms desperate to avenge last year’s defeat.

Japan coach Eddie Jones says Fiji beat them pretty easily last year so they have got a lot to work on.

He says they have a short period of time to get ready.

Tight-head prop Shuhei Takeuchi the match is going to be very physical but they are going to review some good points and bad points from their semi final against Tonga and to do their best.

The Flying Fijians play the Cherry Blossoms at 1.35pm Sunday at America First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah.

All four semi-finalists are qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Australia and 2031 World Cup host United States qualified as well by beating Samoa 29-13 in the fifth-place match.

The US Eagles advanced after failing to qualify for the 2023 World Cup in France.

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Drua suffer second bonus point defeat in Sydney
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua suffered their second bonus-point defeat of the season, going down 36–13 to the Waratahs tonight. The Drua display...
7 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
PM confirms independent investigations into allegations against Saukuru and Gilbert Vakalalabure
Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka confirms that he met Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, and informed him that an independent investigation ...
7 hours ago

Rabuka to meet Sports Minister over Fiji Sports Council concerns
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka confirms he will meet Sports Minister Jese Saukuru today in relation to the Fiji Sports Council issues. The issues ...
8 hours ago

Electricity restored in Central and Western divisions after 132kV circuit fault
Electricity has been fully restored across the Central and Western Divisions following a fault on the 132kV Wailoa–Cunningham Circuit.Energy Fiji ...
10 hours ago

Police yet to respond if they will appeal Vakarisi's suspended sentence
Police are yet to confirm whether they will appeal Jone Vakarisi's three months sentence, suspended for two years.Vakarisi was earlier found guilty ...
10 hours ago

Severe Thunderstorm Warning in force for parts of Viti Levu
A Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Heavy Rain is now in force for the northeastern and interior parts of Viti Levu from Ba through Rakiraki to ...
12 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
15 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
15 days ago

Malimali’s legal battle against President, PM and AG
Another legal battle starts today as sacked FICAC Commissioner, Barbara Malimali takes her matter to court against the President, Prime Minister and ...
16 days ago

TOP