The Vodafone Fijiana XV held off a determined Japan side to secure a hard-fought 15-12 victory in their international Test match last night.
Fiji made a strong start with fullback Ivamere Rokowati crossing for the opening try in the 8th minute to give the Fijiana a 5-0 lead.
Varanisese Qoro extended Fiji's advantage with their second try in the 20th minute as the Fijiana went 10-0 ahead.
Japan responded in the 27th minute through Nami Asari, with Maiko Nishi adding the conversion to reduce Fiji's lead to 10-7.
The Vodafone Fijiana XV maintained their three-point advantage heading into half-time.
Fiji struck again early in the second half when winger Aqela Raitubu crossed in the 50th minute to extend their lead to 15-7.
Japan refused to go away and hit back through Asuka Kuge in the 56th minute to close the gap to 15-12.
Despite Japan applying pressure in the latter stages of the match, the Fijiana defence held firm as neither side managed to add further points before the final whistle.
Fiji dominated the attacking territory during the match, making 17 entries into Japan's 22 compared with six by the hosts.
The Fijiana also won 116 rucks compared with Japan's 79 and spent 74 minutes in the lead.
The 15-12 victory gives the Vodafone Fijiana XV a winning start to their Japan Rugby Challenge Match campaign at JAPAN BASE in Fukuoka.
Source: Rugby Press
