Japan qualified for the final of the Pacific Nations Cup with a 49-27 victory over Samoa on Sunday in Tokyo, and will face Fiji, who had secured their ticket the day before by dominating the United States, 22-3.
Eddie Jones’ Brave Blossoms scored four tries in the first half and three more in the final half to give the iconic Australian coach his third straight win after a difficult start to his second spell in charge of the Japanese squad.
« A good step forward for the team »
Eddie Jones, Japan coach
“It was a good step forward for the team”said Jones, whose team beat Canada and the United States in turn to finish top of its group.
“Samoa are obviously a much stronger opposition than the United States or Canada. I think we started the game very well, with a lot of intent, despite a strong headwind.”analyzed the former England coach (2015-2022).
Against the reigning champions Fijians, Jones will hope to continue his momentum in the final scheduled for next weekend in Osaka and thus give Japan a new title after his victory in 2019, the first in the Six Nations configuration.
The Pacific Nations Cup is a new competition created by World Rugby which, in this edition, brought together Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in Pool A, and Canada, the United States and Japan in Pool B.
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