Third final in a row, two beatings already banked
Twice Eddie Jones has taken Japan to this final. Twice Fiji have sent him home with nothing. They meet again in Tokyo on Saturday.
Hanazono, 2024: Fiji 41, Japan 17. Salt Lake City, 2025: Fiji 33, Japan 27. Closer the second time, but the result was the same, and Jones is still waiting on a first win in a Pacific Nations Cup decider.
He named his side during the day. “Our goal this weekend is to win this final and we are focused 100% on that,” he said. “It is our third final in a row, and it is a great chance for this team to keep growing.”
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312 caps, the most experienced XV Jones has picked this year
Two changes from the semi-final. Faulua Makisi, on early in the second half against the United States, starts at number 8. Jack Cornelsen shifts from the back row into the second row and Michael Stolberg drops to the bench. Tomoki Osada comes in on the left wing, with Kazuma Ueda leaving the 23 altogether.
The XV adds up to 312 caps. Jones leans on Dylan Riley (45), Cornelsen (36) and captain Naoto Saito (35). “If you look at the number of caps, it is probably the most experienced team we have put out this year,” he said.
The Brave Blossoms got here by taking the United States apart 63-14 at Hanazono last weekend. The tournament is down to four teams this year after Samoa and Tonga were cut.
Fiji make three changes of their own
The Flying Fijians arrive off a 45-29 win over Canada. Caleb Muntz returns at fly-half, Isiah Armstrong-Ravula moves to fullback and Isikeli Rabitu drops to the bench.
Tuioraki Samusamuvodre starts at outside centre with Kalaveti Ravouvou unavailable. Elia Canakaivata takes the number 8 jersey and Isoa Tuwai joins the replacements. Two uncapped players make the bench, prop Vilikesa Nairau and back Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
“We know Japan will be very strong at home,” said interim head coach Senirusi Seruvakula. “They are well coached. We are looking at them, but we are also focusing on our own strengths.”
Two summers that went in opposite directions
Recent form favours the hosts. In the southern leg of the Nations Championship, Japan beat Italy 27-10 in Tokyo before losing 36-20 to Ireland and 42-15 to France.
Fiji lost all three of theirs: 39-24 to Wales, 73-8 to England, 33-17 to Scotland. Ugly reading. And yet Fiji have never lost a Pacific Nations Cup final to Japan, which is the one number that counts on Saturday.
Kick-off is 19:05 local time in Tokyo (12:05 CEST) at the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. Australian referee Jordan Way has the whistle.
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