Fiji and Japan will meet for the Pacific Nations Cup title for the third consecutive year on Saturday, with the Flying Fijians chasing a third straight championship and the Brave Blossoms looking to end Fiji’s recent hold on the trophy.
The final kicks off at 7:05 p.m. local time at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo.
Fiji reached the title match with a 45–29 semifinal victory over Canada, while Japan overwhelmed the USA 63–14.
For Fiji, victory would mean a record-extending eighth Pacific Nations Cup title. Japan is chasing its fourth championship and first since 2019.
A Third Straight Final
Fiji has stopped Japan at this stage in each of the last two years.
The Flying Fijians won 41–17 in Osaka in 2024 before retaining the championship with a much tighter 33–27 victory in Salt Lake City in 2025.
This time, Japan arrives after one of its strongest performances of the year.
The Brave Blossoms scored nine tries against the USA, led 35–14 at halftime and didn’t concede a point after the break. Dylan Riley scored twice, while Sam Greene converted all nine tries and finished with 23 points.
Japan’s scrum has also become a significant strength. It has recorded 100% scrum success in four consecutive tests and lost only one of its 50 feeds during 2026.
Fiji’s Attack Returns
Fiji entered the Pacific Nations Cup after losses to Wales, England and Scotland in July but rediscovered its attacking threat against Canada.
Kitione Salawa and Frank Lomani scored inside the opening five minutes before Fiji eventually finished with seven tries.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere crossed after halftime, while Player of the Match Motikiai Murray scored twice in a 10-minute spell.
The Flying Fijians also carry an extraordinary streak into Tokyo: Fiji has scored at least one try in 68 consecutive tests, dating back to June 2016.
Both Teams Make Changes
Fiji has reshaped its backline for the final.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula moves to fullback, with Caleb Muntz taking the No. 10 jersey alongside Frank Lomani. Elia Canakaivata and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre also earn starts.
Two more players could make their Fiji debuts from the bench, with Vilikesa Nairau and Isaac Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens named among the replacements.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to the starting side that beat the USA. Faulua Makisi starts at number eight, Jack Cornelsen moves into the second row and Tomoki Osada comes onto the wing.
Naoto Saito continues as captain.
Consecutive Pacific Nations Cup finals between Fiji and Japan.
Pacific Nations Cup titles already won by Fiji.
Japan’s semifinal victory over the USA.
Fiji’s advantage in the all-time series.
Consecutive Fiji tests with at least one try.
Japan scrum feeds in 2026, with only one lost.
History Favors Fiji
The all-time series is emphatic.
Fiji has won 17 of the 21 tests between the teams and the last three meetings. Japan’s most recent victory was a 34–21 win in the 2019 Pacific Nations Cup.
Fiji also has the better record at Saturday’s venue. The teams have met four previous times at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium, with Fiji winning three.
That history now runs into a Japan team coming off consecutive wins over Canada and the USA.
Rankings Also on the Line
Fiji enters the final ranked No. 9 in the world and Japan No. 12.
A Japan victory would lift the Brave Blossoms three places to No. 9. Fiji would fall to No. 10 if the margin is 15 points or fewer and to No. 12 if Japan wins by more than 15.
If Fiji wins, both teams remain in their current ranking positions. Japan therefore also remains No. 12 with a defeat.
Where the Final Could Turn
Japan’s fast start against the USA showed the danger it can create when its set piece provides clean possession. Fiji, meanwhile, demonstrated against Canada how quickly it can turn attacking opportunities into tries.
That makes the middle of the match particularly interesting.
In last year’s final, Japan went 10–0 ahead before Fiji responded with 33 unanswered points between the 22nd and 60th minutes.
Japan doesn’t necessarily need another explosive opening. It needs to prevent the stretch of the match in which Fiji takes control.
Fiji’s challenge is the opposite: disrupt Japan’s increasingly reliable platform and create the open-field opportunities in which the Flying Fijians are most dangerous.
One More Shot in Tokyo
Fiji enters Tokyo chasing an eighth Pacific Nations Cup championship and third consecutive title.
Japan has home field advantage, a dominant semifinal behind it and an opportunity to win its first PNC championship since 2019.
After Fiji stopped the Brave Blossoms in Osaka in 2024 and Salt Lake City in 2025, Japan gets another chance to change the ending.
This time, it gets that chance in Tokyo.
