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pacific-nations-cup
TOKYO: Japan coach Eddie Jones highlighted “real growth” in the Brave Blossoms’ game ahead of the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup Final, as they look to end their losing streak in the title decider against the Flying Fijians.
Fiji won the Pacific Cup of Nations trophy when the final was last held in Japan, before defending that crown at the 2025 edition in Utah. Japan were defeated in both finals and will meet the defending champions again this weekend in Tokyo.
Brave Blossoms are coming off a clinical 63-14 victory USA Eagles in Osaka, and the home team took a 28-point advantage after only 16 minutes. Said infinite player Ben Gunter RugbyPass after the game that it was probably “the best start in Japanese history”.
Sam Greene finished with 23 points as Japan cruised into the finals with a confidence-building performance. The Australian-born full-back will again wear the No.15 jersey against Fiji, but Jones has made some changes for the match on the 23rd.
This will be the sixth time the Brave Blossoms have taken to the field in 2026. The season included a two-match series against the Wallabies and the JRFU’s 100th anniversary match against Canada, prompting Jones to identify the area of greatest growth in the side.
“I think the real growth in our game is our ability to attack like Japan in different circumstances,” Jones told reporters.
“I think we’ve become a much more adaptable team offensively and we’re an attacking team. I think the consistency in our offense has been really good this year.”
Jones changed the forward group before the PNC Finals, with Jack Cornselsen moving from the no. 8 on lock. Cornelsen will line up in the second row alongside Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath’s Harry Hockings, with Michael Storberg providing protection from the bench.
Faulua Makisi has been brought into the side, joining flanks Kanji Shimokawa and Gunter in a loose forward trio. Sojiro Otsuka, Mamoru Harada and Shuhei Takeuchi will once again form the front row combination.
There has been a change on one wing, Tomoki Osada will wear the 11th jersey, while Inoke Burua will stand on the other wing. Captain Naoto Saito leads the side from scrum-half as the Brave Blossoms look ahead to the latest installment of this PNC rivalry.
“100 per cent concentration is on winning the final. This is the third final we’ve been to in a row,” Jones said.
“It’s a good opportunity for the team to grow. If you look at the number of games, it’s probably one of the most experienced teams we’ve had this year, at least.”
“We have good experience, good strength in the team and we are looking forward to a really physical, fast-paced game against Fiji.”
