The Rooster Chicken Fijian Warriors side fell short of a victory in the second round of the World Rugby Pacific Challenge after losing 45-43 to the Japan XV in Apia, Samoa today.
The Warriors made a strong comeback in the second half after being down 33-19 at halftime but a last-minute try to Japan’s Tasuku Masuyama, broke the hearts of the Fijians after they were leading 43-40 in the dying stages of the match.
Japan started the game strongly scoring two converted tries in the first 5 minutes to lead 14-0 before Fiji replied with a converted try to lock Semi Tikotani in the 9th minute to reduce the gap to 14-7.
Japan scored a further 2 tries with a conversion to extend their lead to 26-7.
Warriors captain John Muller scored another converted try to trail 26-14 before Japan scored another converted try to extend their lead further to 33-14.
Muller scored his second try of the match in the 37th minute to bring the score to 33-19 which remained the same heading into halftime.
Japan was awarded a penalty try early in the second half to further their lead to 40-19.
Fiji staged a great come back scoring 4 more tries through Sevanaia Komailevuka, Netava Saukuru Sakiusa Vosayaco and Timoci Nakalevu with 2 conversions to lead 43-40.
The lack of focus by the Warriors enabled Japan to score that last-minute try to steal the win at the death.
The Warriors will play the Manuma Samoa at 3pm this Saturday in the last round of the competition.
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