Fiji, due to play Wales in the final Pool D clash on October 2 in Warren Gatland’s backyard in Hamilton, suffered a shock 24-13 defeat to Japan who created history by winning the Nations Cup for the very first time in Lautoka.
The Japanese headed into the third and final match day lying in fourth place and needed a bonus point victory to secure the title. That decisive try came deep in injury time to deny Tonga and send the Japanese players, officials and fans into a frenzy of celebration.
Samoa, scheduled to meet Wales in Hamilton on September 19, lost to arch rivals Tonga 29-19.
“This is big for Japan Rugby and Fiji gave us the chance as their discipline let them down,” said Japan coach, John Kirwan.
“However, I salute my players for the effort and they did what I asked them at the break. Now it is the World Cup and there is still a lot of work to be done.”
