Fiji Beat Japan 34-28 in Tokyo to Give Jake White a Winning Start

Fiji beat Japan 34-28 at Chichibunomiya Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday, October 24, 2026. The win gave new head coach Jake White a winning start in his first match in charge. It also avenged the Pacific Nations Cup final five weeks earlier, when Japan beat Fiji 20-15 in Tokyo.

The match marked the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Football Union. Japan wore special white commemorative shirts for the occasion, and the game was played in wet conditions in central Tokyo. White, 62, led his native South Africa to World Cup glory in 2007 and was handed the Fiji job this month. Japan coach Eddie Jones was White's technical adviser for that 2007 South Africa win, which set up a meeting between the two coaches on opposite sides.

Fiji strike back after Japan open the scoring

Japan scored first when Naoto Saito went over in the fourth minute. Fiji replied just over five minutes later through Kitione Salawa, then captain Tevita Ikanivere touched down after a counterattack. Japan captain Warner Dearns scored to even the scores, and Fiji regained the lead through Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, whose angled run from an attack that started on the halfway line cut through the Japanese defence. The sides reached halftime level, with three converted tries apiece.

Japan found success at the maul and scored two tries off lineout mauls in the first half. Fiji were reduced to 14 men late in the first half after a dangerous tackle on Faulua Makisi, and Makisi then scored for Japan. Dearns finished the match with two tries for the home side.

Tamani try and Volavola penalties settle it

Terio Tamani scored Fiji's fourth try four minutes into the second half. The score came after a tackle on Japanese inside centre Charlie Lawrence forced a turnover on the Fijian five metre line, and winger Nacani Boginisoko ran the length of the pitch before offloading to Tamani.

Substitute Ben Volavola made the difference after the break with two penalties for Fiji. Japan stayed in the contest to the end, but Reuters reported that the home side were undone by handling errors and beaten in the air. Fiji held on to close out the six point win and give White a debut victory.

Northern tour next for both sides

Both sides next play the northern series of the Nations Championship, which begins next month. Fiji will face France, Ireland and Italy. Japan will play Wales, England and Scotland.