Netani Talei scored a try in the dying seconds as Fiji edged Japan 40-39 on Friday in the last match in rugby's Pacific Nations Cup, clinching second place for its best finish in the tournament's four-year history.
The win was Fiji's ninth in 11 matches against Japan since 1990 and ensured the host nation moved ahead of Samoa on the tournament table, trailing only New Zealand's Junior All Blacks, who won the title when they beat Tonga on Thursday.
The win was hard-fought and Japan, which had previously upset Tonga, scored five tries to Fiji's four with Yusuke Aoki crossing twice.
Fiji came from behind with tries to Neemia Kenatale and Vereniki Govenva to lead 20-14 at halftime but Japan stunned the home side with three second-half tries, including Aoki's second.
Japan looked on course for its first win over Fiji in Fiji until No. 8 Talei saved the day with a try 10 seconds from fulltime. Seremaia Bai converted all four tries and kicked four penalties for 20 points.
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Scores:
Fiji 40 (Neemia Kenatale, Vereniki Govenva, Sireli Ledua, Netani Talei tries; Seremaia Bai 4 conversions, 4 penalties), Japan 39 (Yusuke Aoki 2, Toetu'u Taufa, Jack Tarrant, Takashi Kikutani tries; James Arlidge 2 conversions, 2 penalties; Ryan Nicholas 2 conversions). HT: 20-14.
