Fiji Airways Fijiana’s ill-discipline proved costly as they went down 31–14 to Japan in their final pool match in Perth.
Japan struck early with two tries before Mere Vocevoce crossed for Fiji’s first try, narrowing the score to 10–7. However, Japan responded almost immediately, scoring again in the third minute to regain control.
Ana Maria scored her first try for Fiji in Perth to close the gap to 14–12 midway through the first half.
Japan had the final say before the break, scoring another try to take a 19–14 lead into halftime.
Japan continued their dominance early in the second half, scoring from the sideline in the fourth minute to extend their lead to 24–14.
Fiji were handed two yellow cards in the final two minutes, and Japan took full advantage, scoring one last try to seal a 31–14 victory.
Fiji finished the tournament without a win, losing all their pool matches in Perth.
Live Updates
1st minute Fiji kicks off, and Fiji maintains possession.
2nd minute Mere Vocevoce scores Fiji's first try to trail 10-7.
3rd minute Japan scores third try to extend lead 12-7.
4th minute Fijiana attacks and Ana Maria scores Fiji's second try to extend Fiji's points to 14-12.
Japan scores in the final minute of the first half to take the lead into the break 19-14.
Second half, Japan kicks off, and Fiji loses possession.
2nd minute Fijiana opts for scrum and attacking the Japanese line, Vocevoce not releasing the ball.
4th minute Japan attacking Fiji's line runs brilliantly on the sideline to score another try, extending their lead 24-14.
5th minute, Japan has the ball in hand and attacks the Fijiana line of defence, securing a penalty, and Fijiana is given a yellow card to Adi Vani Buleki for playing the ball on the ground.
Another yellow card given to Fijiana, and with two players' advantage, Japan scores another try to extend their points 31-14.
7th minute, Silika Qalo gives another penalty away, and Japan seals the win 31-14.
