Joji Nasova crossed twice as Fiji clinched back-to-back Pacific Nations Cup titles with a hard-fought victory over Japan in Salt Lake City on Sunday.

Fiji looked set for a rout when Nasova’s second try stretched their lead to 33-10 early in the second half, but Japan roared back to set up a tense finish in a repeat of last year’s final. The Pacific Islanders, though, hung on to win 33-27.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Nasova, whose brace sealed Fiji’s record-extending seventh Pacific Nations Cup crown.

Captain Tevita Ikanivere, who also scored in the first half, praised his side’s resilience under pressure.

“We overcame a tough Japanese side that came back on us in the second half … proud of the boys just working hard for each other.”

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Tries from Mesake Vocevoce, Inia Tabuavou and Ikanivere had put Fiji firmly in control by half-time. Japan, though, fought back through Hayate Era – who scored twice – and Ichigo Nakakusu, with Seungsin Lee adding 12 points from the boot.

Yellow cards to Viliame Mata and a red for Eroni Mawi left Fiji under severe pressure in the closing stages, but Mick Byrne’s side dug in to secure their first back-to-back titles since 2015–2018.

“It feels great to take the Cup back home,” Byrne said. “The boys dug deep, defended well under pressure and had the composure to finish it off.”

Japan coach Eddie Jones rued his team’s slow start: “For our young team it’s a hard pill to swallow. We played well in the second half but let Fiji get too far ahead in the first. It’s a final. There are no positives when you don’t get the result you want.”

In the third-place playoff, Patrick Pellegrini scored a hat-trick and kicked five conversions to inspire Tonga to a 35-24 win over Canada – their best finish since 2018.

Meanwhile, Chile and Samoa drew 32-32 in the first leg of their 2027 World Cup qualifier, with the decider set for next weekend in Santiago.

フィジーが #ラグビー日本代表 との激闘を制し、 #パシフィックネーションズカップ 連覇達成🇫🇯🎉#PacificNationsCup#PNC2025 #JPNvFIJ pic.twitter.com/aM8p9kSixk

— ラグビーパス (@RugbyPass_JP) September 21, 2025

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