Fiji advanced to the Pacific Nations Cup final on Saturday after defeating Canada 45-29 in a semifinal match held at Hanazono Rugby Stadium in Osaka, Japan.
The defending champions established an early lead, scoring three tries within the first 23 minutes of play. Kitione Salawa opened the scoring within the first 30 seconds, followed by tries from Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Armstrong-Ravula also successfully converted two of the first-half tries, helping Fiji secure a 26-17 lead by halftime.
In the second semifinal match of the day, Japan defeated the United States 63-14. This victory marks Japan’s 10th win in its last 11 meetings against the U.S. team.
The Pacific Nations Cup, which utilized a condensed four-team format this year, will conclude next Saturday at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo. Fiji is scheduled to face Japan in the final, while Canada and the United States will compete for third place.
Article source: winnipegfreepress.com | Image credit: Toronto Star