Flying Fijians Pip Brave Blossoms in Epic PNC Final
The Brave Blossoms fell to the Flying Fijians 27-33 in the Final of the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 in Salt Lake City, Utah. In what was an epic final match to cap off a memorable series, Fiji proved too strong for a brave Japanese side that fought admirably right up to the final whistle.
The seesawing match saw a strong start by Japan who looked to impose their style of game on the reigning PNC Champions. They succeeded in doing so for the first 20 minutes, holding onto the ball and running relentlessly at the Fijian defence. Japan ran out to an early 10-0 lead thanks to a stunning close-range try to hooker Hayate Era and a conversion and penalty goal to flyhalf Seungsin Lee who enjoyed a 100% perfect day kicking off the tee.
At the 21st minute mark, Fiji finally broke through the Japanese defence, scoring their first try and setting in motion a 25 minute, five-try, Fijian rugby masterclass. Playing a brand of fifteens rugby more akin to their famous sevens style, the Fijians promoted, relished and capitalised on chaos in open play. They charged at Japanese defenders from all angles, offloaded constantly in the tackle and relentlessly peppered their opponent’s try line.
Japan went into the sheds at halftime trailing 10-26 in what might well have been the calm before the oncoming storm, however a devastating storm it wasn’t to be. While Fiji scored the opening try of the half in just the third minute, this was to be their final score of the day. Trailing 10-33, Japan managed to bring the game back onto their terms, quietening the chaos and taking control of the ball in attack.
The Brave Blossoms’ dominant scrum, a feature of the game until uncontested scrums were called at the back end of the second half, and their ability to control the ball in attack while holding out the Fijians clearly frustrated the islanders. Ill-discipline started to creep into their game with the penalty count rising and two Fijian players sent to the bin.
Japan took advantage of this numerical imbalance to cement their fightback, drawing to within six points with 15 minutes remaining on the clock. While they continued to throw everything at their opponents, the Flying Fijians held on desperately to their 27-33 lead until the final whistle.
When the referee called time, both teams were out on their feet following a frantic final 10 minutes. While the Brave Blossoms were left to ponder what might have been, the Fijians were ecstatic as they celebrated winning the Pacific Nations Cup for a record seventh time.
Commenting after the match, Brave Blossoms Head Coach Eddie Jones said:
“It’s been a good tournament to play in. For our young team it’s a hard pill to swallow. We played well in the second half but let Fiji get away too much in the first half.”
Brave Blossoms Captain Warner Dearns added:
“That was a tough 80. A bit disappointed in that we probably let them get away from us too much in the first half and we just couldn’t bring it back in the second. But the way our boys fought was unreal. It was an awesome effort from both teams and an awesome game of rugby.
“We love to play an
attacking style of rugby so I think when we have ball in hand, we can play that
quick tempo rugby. That’s the biggest positive we’ve got from the tournament. We
can really play, so we’ve got to work more on that.”
The Brave Blossoms now set their sights on their upcoming match against Australia at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Saturday, October 25. They will then travel to Europe for tests against South Africa, Ireland, Wales and Georgia. Ahead of the Brave Blossom’s test against the Wallabies in Tokyo, the JAPAN XV will face Australia A in an uncapped match in Osaka on Saturday, October 18.
Brave Blossoms PNC 2025
Saturday 30 August
Japan vs Canada
57-15 (W)
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (Pool B)
Yurtec Stadium, Sendai
Saturday 6 September
USA vs Japan
21-47 (W)
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 (Pool B)
Heart Health Park, Sacramento
Sunday 14 September
Japan vs Tonga
62-24 (W)
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Semi-Final
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Denver
Saturday 20 September
Japan vs Fiji
27-33 (L)
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Final
America First Field, Salt Lake City
Japan Upcoming Match Schedule
Saturday 18 October
JAPAN XV vs Australia A (Uncapped)
Asahi Super Dry CHALLENGE MATCH 2025
YODOKO Sakura Stadium, Osaka
Saturday 25 October
Japan vs Australia
Lipovitan D Challenge Cup 2025
National Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday 1 November
Japan vs South Africa
Lipovitan D Tour 2025
London
Saturday 8 November
Ireland vs Japan
Autumn Nations Series
Dublin
Saturday 15 November
Wales vs Japan
Autumn Nations Series
Cardiff
Saturday 22 November
Georgia vs Japan
Venue TBC