Jake White began his tenure as Fiji coach with a 34–28 win over Japan in Tokyo on Saturday, 24 October, after replacement Ben Volavola kicked two second-half penalties.
The former Springbok coach’s first Test in charge was played at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium as part of the Japan Rugby Football Union’s centenary celebrations. Both teams scored four tries, with Volavola’s kicks separating them at the finish. The scheduled kick-off was 14:50 in Tokyo, or 07:50 South African time.
Japan and Fiji were level at 21–21 at half-time. Naoto Saito, Warner Dearns and Faulua Makisi scored Japan’s first-half tries, while Kitione Salawa, Tevita Ikanivere and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre crossed for Fiji.
Terio Tamani put Fiji ahead again shortly after the restart, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula’s conversion taking the visitors to 28–21. Dearns scored his second try and Takuro Matsunaga converted to bring Japan level once more.
Volavola, introduced from the bench, then landed penalties in the 60th and 69th minutes. Japan did not score again, and the official match record confirmed a six-point Fiji victory.
The result reversed the outcome of the teams’ previous meeting at the same Tokyo ground. Japan beat Fiji 20–15 in the Pacific Nations Cup final on 19 September.
Fiji Rugby announced White’s appointment on 13 October, identifying Saturday’s centenary Test as his first assignment. White coached South Africa to the 2007 Rugby World Cup title and has also held senior roles with the Sharks and Bulls.
Fiji’s next phase is its European Nations Championship programme in November, with matches against France, Ireland and Italy.
