Seven-time defending champions Fiji scored three tries in the first 23 minutes on their way to beating Canada 45-19 in the Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) semifinal in Tokyo on Saturday.
In the process, they also secured their final spot, lining up a grand showdown with hosts Japan, who beat United States 63-14 in the second semifinal on Saturday night.
Loose forward Kitione Salawa scored in the first 20 seconds to open the scoring, before halfback Frank Lomani and flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula added a try each before halftime, giving Fiji a 26-17 lead at the break.
Fiji looked set to dominate the clash at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium in Tokyo, but Canada turned the heat up in the second spell and showed they were not going to be easy beats.
The Flying Fijians, the most successful team in PNC history, lost some momentum in the second spell, although they did score tries, two through looseman Motikai Murray, who was later named player of the match.
The Flying Fijians are bidding to win the annual tournament for the third successive year and underlined their quality by outscoring the Canadians by seven tries to four in the end.
Murray, who played for North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) competition in New Zealand before joining the Fijian camp two weeks ago, showed why he is a person of interest with the Super Rugby Pacific champions Hurricanes with his strong all-round game.
He said they still need to improve, especially facing Japan in the final.
“I have to thank Almighty God for the win,” he said post-match.
“We did pretty well, there were a few mistakes, but our mission was to start fast and we did that.”
Fiji led almost immediately when blindside flanker Salawa charged down Jason Higgins’ kick and touched down in the right corner, 20 second after kick-off.
Senirusi Seruvakula’s side then conjured a delightful second try when Kalaveti Ravouvou and Joji Nasova combined to send Frank Lomani scampering clear, showing some glimpses of the Fijian magic the side is renowned for.
Canada gradually steadied themselves and blindside flanker Mason Flesch dived under the posts from close range, but an exhilarating Fiji counter-attack culminated in veteran winger Manase Mataele sending Armstrong-Ravula powering clear to claim the champions’ third try.
Veteran prop Peni Ravai, who was massive upfront, collected a deft offload from captain Tevita Ikanivere, following a good lineout win close to the Canadian line, to dive over from close range for Fiji’s fourth.
Canada claimed a second through Sion Parry to make it 26-17 at the break but Ikanivere burst onto a fine pass from Virimi Vakatawa to score Fiji’s fifth try.
Murray then took centre stage with two tries in the space of 11 minutes, racing down the left wing to claim his first before adding his second from a lineout.
Kyle Tremblay touched down for Canada and Flesch claimed his second before Fiji had Isoa Nasilasila and debutant Terio Tamani Veilawa red-carded and sin-binned respectively late on.
Canada will go into the third place play-off against USA with cause for optimism and head coach Stephen Meehan said: “There were aspects of our game we were really happy with.
“There were other parts where we lacked concentration for two or three minutes and a side like Fiji can go 90 metres to score.
“We play Fiji at next year’s World Cup and we’re excited about that.”
Meanwhile, hosts Japan showed their class in front of a rapturous home crowd in Osaka after a comprehensive semifinal win over USA.
The Brave Blossoms outscored the USA by nine tries to two, having led 35-14 at the interval.
Player of the match, Japan hooker Mamoru Harada said they knew USA was going to be tough to beat.
“We knew it was going to be a tough match from the beginning, but we executed well. Our target now is to beat Fiji and win the championship.”
Players of Fiji celebrate with their supporters after the Hong Kong WXV Global Series match between Spain and Fiji at Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground on 13 September 2026 in Hong Kong, China.
Yu Chun Christopher Wong / World Rugby via Getty Images
Fijiana wins as Manusina lose out
In the WXV Global Challenger series in Hong Kong, Fiijiana defeated Spain 38-32 with two late tries in their opening match.
Fijiana captain Kolora Lomani said they were happy with the win, especially beating Spain for the first time.
She said post-match they had to work hard.
“The last 10 minutes was how we wanted to play,” she said.
In another result, Samoa’s Manusina were thrashed 70-0 by the Netherlands in their opening match.
Both teams will be in action again this upcoming weekend.
