The Flying Fijians rugby team lost to Japan 24-13 in the Pacific Nations Cup game at Churchill Park this afternoon.

It is Japan’s first ever win against Fiji since the start of the PNC 5 years ago and they have also clinched the PNC title for the first time.

Fiji led 8-0 at half-time with tries to Napolioni Nalaga and a penalty to Seremaia Bai.

In the second half, Japan stepped up the tempo of the game with three tries to lead 17-13 with Nalaga scoring Fiji’s second try.

Fiji’s ill discipline let them down when they finished with match with 13 players after a red card was shown to Sisa Koyamaibole in the 20th minute of the first half and Seru Rabeni on the 19th minute of the second half.

Also captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu was yellow carded in the first half and Seremaia Bai in the 2nd minute of the second half before Wise Luveniyali was sent off in the last minute of play.

Tonga defeated Samoa 29-19 earlier this afternoon.     

The Junior All Blacks won the PNC title in 2006, 2007 and 2009.

NZ Maori won the title in 2008 while Samoa won the PNC last year.

But this year’s winner of the PNC title is Japan after beating Fiji.

Fiji has never won the PNC.


Story by: Dreu Vukailagi