Fiji into Pacific Nations Cup final after Japan thriller

Thirteen-man Fiji withstood a furious late onslaught from Japan to book their place in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup with a 27-22 victory Wednesday. The Fijians finished a see-saw battle against the 2014 champions with two players in the sin-bin as Japan pressed desperately for a match-winning score that would have completed a remarkable comeback. The Japanese had taken an early lead through three penalties from fullback Ayumu Goromaru before Fiji hit back with a devastating 10-minute spell. Tevita Cavubati, Joshua Matavesi and Metuisela Talebula all crossed for converted scores as Fiji, which also scored a Matavesi penalty, transformed the contest to take what looked like an unassailable 24-9 lead at half-time. But Japan came roaring back after the restart, with right wing Akihito Yamada dotting down in the corner to make it 24-14. Goromaru missed the conversion but slotted a further penalty to reduce Japan's deficit to 24-17 after 52 minutes. Matavesi restored Fiji's 10-point cushion with his fifth successful kick of the day to make it 27-17 but Japan hit back once again through their powerful scrum. A superb pick-and-go by New Zealand-born number eight Hendrik Tui saw the back rower crash over from close range to make it 27-22. Goromaru missed the conversion, however, meaning the Japanese would need a try to secure parity. In a frantic finale the Japanese looked poised to claim the win, as Fiji's composure deserted them. Second row Leone Nakarawa was sent to the sin-bin in the closing minutes and was joined as the seconds wound down by loosehead Campese Ma'afu. Despite the advantage, Japan were unable to find a way through and eventually conceded a penalty with the last kick of the game as an exhausted Fiji held on for a nervy win. Earlier, Tonga completed their group stage campaign with a 33-19 victory over the United States. The highlight for Tonga was a solo try from Fetu'u Vainikolo to open the scoring. Telusa Veainu scored Tonga's second try before Vainikolo grabbed another in the second half as the Pacific islanders ran out convincing winners. Tonga fly-half Kurt Morath finished with 18 points from the boot, including four penalties and three conversions. The American scores came from two late tries through Fiji-born replacement Andrew Durutalo, with Folau Niua chipping in with three penalties. Samoa face Canada in the final match of the day. Source: AFP