Jake White’s Fiji edged Eddie Jones’ Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
The 34-28 victory gave White a winning start to his stint as Fiji head coach.
The 62-year-old led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2007, with Jones serving as his technical adviser.
Japan and Fiji each scored three first-half tries, before visiting substitute Ben Volavola made the difference with two penalties after the break.
The two sides had met in the Pacific Nations Cup final in Tokyo a month earlier, with Japan winning 20-15.
Saturday’s game served as a warm-up for Japan and Fiji’s trips to Europe next month for the Nations Championship.
Japan will play Wales, England and Scotland, while Fiji will take on France, Ireland and Italy.
The game was being played to mark the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union.
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Japan, wearing special white commemorative shirts, made the perfect start when Naoto Saito scurried over the line for a fourth-minute try.
Fiji hit back just over five minutes later through Kitione Salawa, then took the lead when captain Tevita Ikanivere touched down after a counterattack.
Japan captain Warner Dearns rampaged over the line to even the scores, but Fiji regained the lead when Tuidraki Samusamuvodre pounced on a mistake in the Japan defence.
Fiji were temporarily reduced to 14 men when Motikai Murray was yellow-carded in the 35th minute and Japan took advantage immediately with a try from Faulua Makisi.
Murray’s yellow card was later upgraded to a red but Fiji regained their lead when Terio Tamani scored four minutes into the second half.
Japan hit back with another Dearns try but Volavola stayed cool to edge Fiji back ahead for good.
– AFP
Photo: Toru Hanai/Getty Images
The post Jake makes winning start to Fiji stint appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jake White’s Fiji edged Eddie Jones’ Japan in Tokyo on Saturday.
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