Pacific Cup: Fijians to defend title against Japan, as Tonga and Canada battle for third

The stage is set for a rematch of last year’s Pacific Nations Cup (PNC) final, with the Flying Fijians seeking to defend their title against Japan’s Brave Blossoms.

But before that game, Tonga and Canada will play for third place in a curtain-raiser for the final.

Here’s all you need to know.

Grand final: Fiji vs Japan

Location: American first field, Salt lake city, Utah

Kick off: 1.35pm (NZ time), Sunday

Both the Fijians and the Japanese have secured World Cup qualifications and topped their respective pools, entering the final as undefeated sides to close out the 2025 PNC campaign.

Fiji have won 15 of their last 17 tests against Japan, and have emerged victorious in their last two meetings. In fact, Fiji have won all four encounters held at neutral venues.

While Fiji enter the final as strong favourites, Japan’s ability to maintain intensity for the full 80 minutes could create a fiercely competitive match right up to the final whistle.

Photo/Facebook

Japan boast one of the best success rates for defensive exits from the 22-metre line, outperforming any other team in the competition. They have also achieved 24 turnovers, exactly twice as many as Fiji.

Teams

Fiji: Eroni Mawi, Tevita Ikanivere (captain), Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Viliame Mata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Nasova, Ponipate Loganimasi. Bench: Zuriel Togiatama, Haereiti Hetet, Samu Tawake, Temo Mayanavanua, Kitione Salawa, Sam Wye, Kemu Valetini, and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

Japan: Sena Kimura, Hayate Era, Shuhei Takeuchi, Jack Cornelsen, Warner Dearns (captain), Ben Gunter, Kanji Shimokawa, Amato Fakatava, Shinobu Fujiwara, Seungsin Lee, Tomoki Osada, Charlie Lawrence, Dylan Riley, Kippei Ishida, Sam Greene. Bench: Kenji Sato, Kenta Kobayashi, Keijiro Tamefusa, Waisake Raratubua, Tiennan Costley, Faulua Makisi, Kenta Fukuda, Yuya Hirose.

Third and fourth play-off: Tonga vs Canada

Location: American First Field, Salt Lake City, Utah

Kick off: 10.35am (NZ time), Sunday

Both teams will aim for a podium finish after experiencing heavy defeats in their semi-finals last week.

Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi suffered a loss of over 30 points against Japan, while Canada were outclassed by Fiji, finishing 63-10.

A win for Tonga this weekend would secure their highest placing in the Pacific Nations Cup since 2018, when they finished as runners-up. Canada are already assured of their highest placing since finishing as runners-up in 2013.

While both teams have unique styles of play, the outcome will hinge on defence, as both sides have missed more tackles per game than any others in the competition.

'Ikale Tahi. Photo/Facebook

Discipline will be crucial, given that both teams have conceded more turnovers per game than any other team (Tonga - 17.3, Canada - 14.7).

Teams

Tonga: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Samiuela Moli, Ben Tameifuna (captain), Veikoso Poloniati, Harison Mataele, Tupou Afungia, Foto Lokotui, Siosiua Moala, Sonatane Takulua, Patrick Pellegrini, John Tapueluelu, Uilisi Halaholo, Fetuli Paea, Nikolai Foliaki, 15 Salesi Piutau. Bench: Sosefu Sakalia, Tau Koloamatangi, Solomone Tukuafu, Justin Mataele, Tevita Ahokovi, Siaosi Nai, James Faiva, Josiah Unga.

Canada: Calixto Martinez, Dewald Kotze, Cole Keith, Piers Von Dadelszen, Izzak Kelly, Mason Flesch (captain), Sion Parry, Matthew Oworu, Brock Gallagher, Peter Nelson, Josiah Morra, Spencer Jones, Talon McMullin, Jack Shaw, Nic Benn. Bench: Austin Creighton, Emerson Prior, Kyle Steeves, Callum Botchar, Matt Heaton, Jason Higgins, Noah Flesch, Shane O'Leary.

Meanwhile, Sāmoa is preparing to face Chile in the first leg of a World Cup qualification playoff, aiming to recover from recent losses to Fiji and the USA.

Captain Michael Alaalato'a says they will need to improve following their disappointing performance in the Pacific Nations Cup, which led to their failure to qualify for the 2027 World Cup.

The winner of the playoff series will secure a spot in the World Cup in Australia, while the loser will enter a final qualification tournament in Dubai in November.