IRB PACIFIC NATIONS CUP

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Fiji halt Japanese surge

Sunday 22nd June 2008

Sereli Naqelevuki on his way to Fiji's first try

Fiji fought back from a 9-3 half time deficit to beat rapidly-improving Japan 24-12 in the Pacific Nations Cup in Tokyo on Sunday.

James Aldridge's three first half penalties sent the home side in with a six-point cushion, but the islanders hit back with three tries in the second half to silence the large home crowd.

Fiji next plays Australia A in Brisbane next week, while Japan travel abroad for the first time in the competition to face New Zealand Maori in Napier.

The scorers:

For Japan:
Pens: Arlidge 4

For Fiji:
Tries: Naqelevuki, Maravunwasawasa, Goneva
Cons: Maravunwasawasa 3
Pens: Maravunwasawasa

Japan: 15 Shaun Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozawa, 10 James Aldridge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Takuro Miuchi (capt), 7 Hare Makiri, 6 Takashi Kikutani, 5 Toshizhumi Kitagawa, 4 Hitoshi Ono, 3 Tomakazu Soma, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 tatsukichi Nishiura.
Replacements: 16 Naonori Mizuyama, 17 Yuta Inose, 18 Tomoaki Taniguchi, 19 Ryu Koliniasi Holani, 20 Tomoki Yoshida, 21 Bryce Robins, 22 Christian Loamanu.

Fiji: 15 Taniela Maravunwasawasa, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Sireli Naqelevuki (v/capt), 12 Kameli Ratuvou, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Aporosa Vata, 8 Netani Talei, 7 Aca Gavidi, 6 Semisi Naevo, 5 Kele Leawere, 4 Ifereimi Rawaqa, 3 Jone Railomo, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Alefoso Yalayalatabua.
Replacements: 16 Vereniki Sauturaga, 17 Viliame Seuseu, 18 Sailosi Rabonaqica, 19 Deryck Thomas, 20 Nemia Kenatale, 21 Vereniki Goneva, 22 Marika Vakacegu.

Referee: Kelvin Deaker