Japan Move into PNC Final Following Victory Over Tonga
Japan defeated Tonga 62–24 in their Pacific Nations Cup Semi Final to book their place in next weekend’s Final against Fiji, who overcame Canada 63–10 in the other semi. Taking place next Saturday, 20 September at America First Field in Salt Lake City, the match will be a repeat of last year’s final in Higashiosaka, where Japan fell to the Flying Fijians 17–41.
The Brave Blossoms will be determined to go one better this year, building the best possible platform ahead of their clash with Australia in Tokyo in late October, before heading to Europe for tests against South Africa, Ireland, Wales and Georgia.
With Tonga bringing their famed physicality in both attack and defence, the match provided valuable preparation for Japan ahead of facing Fiji. While the final score reflected Japan’s second-half dominance, Tonga were firmly in the contest until half-time, with the Brave Blossoms leading by just 21–19 at the break.
The two sides traded scores throughout the opening half. Japan’s tries came from slick, heads-up rugby, while Tonga executed a solid tactical kicking game, gaining territory and applying scoreboard pressure through their hard-driving forwards.
A first-half highlight came from a stunning front-row interplay between tighthead Shuhei Takeuchi and hooker Hayate Era. From a quick tap off a free-kick just over halfway, Takeuchi charged towards the tryline, barging through two defenders before offloading on the 22 to Era, who was hot in support. The hooker, running like an outside back, sprinted clear to score under the posts.
Having stayed in touch over the first 40 minutes, Tonga struggled to contain a Brave Blossoms side playing with greater confidence, speed and width in the second half. Japan ran in five tries to one in a dominant display, crossing the 50-point mark for the second time in the tournament.
With Fiji moving through their matches with similar dominance, the Brave Blossoms will be under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits them this weekend in Salt Lake City. If Japan can contain a Fijian side that thrives on chaos and broken play, control the tempo, and maintain scoreboard pressure, the stage will be set for another epic Pacific Nations Cup Final.
Commenting after the match against Tonga, Brave Blossoms Head Coach Eddie Jones said:
“In the first half we needed to defend better around the ruck. We were giving Tonga too much leeway, and they were getting on the front foot and kicking behind us, so we were playing really deep from our half. We adjusted that in the second half and added some more kicking to our game.”
Captain Warner Dearns added:
“Playing against Tonga is always going to be a physical game. We did enough to match them, while also being able to play our rugby which gave us a bit of an advantage. It’s exciting to be playing finals footy and next week will be tough, whoever we play.”
The Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Final between Japan and Fiji will take place at America First Field in Salt Lake City next Saturday, 20 September. Kick-off is at 19:35 local time, 10:35 JST on Sunday morning. Broadcast details for Japan will be announced in due course.
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
Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Final
America First Field, Salt Lake City
Brave Blossoms 2025 Match Schedule
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