Flying Fijians claim 6th Pacific Battle Series title after 35-12 win over Japan

The Fiji Water Flying Fijians have claimed their 6th Punjas Pacific Battle Series title after beating Japan 35-12.

Fiji managed to score 5 tries to Japan's 2 for the win.

The Flying Fijians started the game strongly with a converted try to captain Waisea Nayacalevu in the 3rd minute for an early 7-0 lead before Japan was reduced to 14 players after flanker Pieter Labuschagne was red carded for a high shot tackle on Fiji's Vilimoni Botitu.

Fiji took advantage of Japan's one man down to score two more tries in the 16th and 37th minute to lossehead prop Eroni Mawi and halfback Simione Kuruvoli respectively with veteran flyhalf Ben Volavola converting both tries for a 21-0 lead.

The game went into halftime with Fiji ahead by 21-0.

The Japanese tightened up their defence a bit in the second spell as they denied Fiji a few scoring opportunities.

In the 57th minute, substitute halfback Frank Lomani scored Fiji's 4th try with Volavola converting the try for a 28-0 lead before Fijian-born winger Jone Naikabula scored Japan's first try in the 71st minute.

Semisi Masirewa scored Japan's second try in the 76th minute to increase their points to 28-12.

Lomani scored his second try and Fiji's 5th at the stroke of fulltime with Tela adding the final nail to Japan’s coffin with a successful conversion.

The Flying Fijians will now return to Fiji for a 2 week preparation before heading to Paris for their test match against France on the 20th of this month.

Live Updates:

Kick Off!

1' Both teams at locked at 0-all so far

3" TRY!! Captain Waisea Nayacalevu scores Fiji's first try. Conversion success from Ben Volavola. FIJ 7-0 Japan

6" Japan reduced to 14 men after flanker Pieter Labuschagne was red carded. FIJ 7-0 Japan

16" TRY! Fiji's loosehead prop Eroni Mawi scores their second try. Conversion successful by Volavola. FIJ 14-0 Japan.

22" Scrum to Fiji after a knock on by Japan. FIJ 14-0 Japan.

23" Japan's Kanji Shimokawa comes in for Amato Fakatava as injury substitute.

25" Scrum to Japan inside their own 22 metres after a knock on from Fiji. FIJ 14-0 JAPAN.

26" Scrum to Fiji from a knock on by Japan. FIJ 14-0 JAPAN.

29" Try gone begging for Fiji after a knock on by Teti Tela 5 metres from Japan's tryline. Scrum to Japan. FIJ 14-0 JAP.

35" Penalty to Fiji inside their own half from a great scrum. FIJ 14-0 JAP

37" Scrum to Fiji 5 metres from Japan's try line after a great defensive effort driving Japan back to their goal line. FIJI 14-0 JAPAN.

37" TRY!! Halfback Simione Kuruvoli scores Fiji's third try off the scrum. Conversion successful from Volavola. FIJ 21-0 JAP.

HT: FIJI 21-0 JAPAN.

42" Scrum to Fiji for a forward pass by Japan. FIJ 21-0 JAP.

44" Penalty to Fiji. Volavola makes an attempt at goal and misses. Score remains. FIJ 21-0 JAP.

48" SUBSTITUTE: Fiji makes a substitute as Frank Lomani comes on for halfback Simione Kuruvoli. FIJ 21-0 JAP.

49" SUBSTITUTE: Fiji's hooker Sam Matavesi comes off as Tevita Ikanivere comes in. FIJ 21-0 JAP.

52" SUBSTITUTE: Josevata Tamani comes on for injured flanker Kitione Kamikamica. FIJ 21-0 JAP.

57" TRY!!! Frank Lomani scores Fiji's fourth try from a great phase play. Volavola converts the try. FIJ 28-0 JAP.

57" SUBSTITUTE: Japan's number 8 comes off as James Gunter comes on. FIJ 28-0 JAP.

60" Subtitute hooker Tevita Ikanivere was denied a try after an obstruction from team mate. Score remains. FIJ 28-0 JAP.

63" Fiji denied another try from Sireli Maqala after a knock on by Meli Derenalagi earlier in the phase of play. Score remains as scrum is awarded to Japan.

68" Scrum to Fiji for a slight knock on by Japan. FIJ 28-0 JAP.

71" TRY!! Fijian born winger Jone Naikabula scores Japan's first try. Conversion successful. FIJ 28-7 JAP.

74" Fiji denied a third try after a high tackle from fullback Maqala followed by a yellow card to reduce Fiji's players to 14 men. Score remains. FIJ 28-7 JAP.

76" TRY!! Winger Semisi Masirewa scores Japan's second try of the match in the corner. Conversion unsuccessful. FIJ 28-12 JAP.

80" Lomani scores his second try and Fiji's 5th at the stroke of fulltime. Conversion successful. FIJ 35-12 JAP.

Full Time - Fiji 35-12 Japan