Fiji's hopes of winning their first ever Pacific Nations Cup got off to the perfect start Saturday after a second-half surge saw them run away to a 22-8 win over Japan in Lautoka.
Japan had high hopes of beating Fiji for the first time since 1994 -- and gaining some revenge -- after their last-gasp 40-39 loss in the competition last year.
The competition has been won by New Zealand sides in the past four years but their absence this time, along with Australia A, means Fiji, Samoa, Tonga or Japan have the chance to grab the title for the first time.
The likelihood of a try-fest like last year's clash were dashed in the first half when Fiji could only edge to a 3-0 lead at the break after a penalty by fullback Jaoji Dakuvula in the sixth minute.
Dakuvula, who was making his debut for Fiji, and Japanese kicker and flyhalf Shaun Webb, were both guilty of squandering several other penalty opportunities.
Fiji captain Dominiko Waqaniburotu -- leading his side for the first time in only his second Test -- said the plan was to keep it simple and stick to the basics.
"Leading by just three points at the break wasn’t that impressive so I told the guys that we have to camp in the Japanese territory and force them into mistakes, and I am glad we actually did this," he said afterwards.
The try-drought broke 10 minutes after the restart for the second spell when Fijian halfback Nikola Matawalu, who made a dazzling debut for his country, finished a brilliant solo break with a try converted by Dakuvula.
Fiji's size and athleticism gradually ground down the Japanese and winger Timoci Naqusa finished off another break by Matawalu with the second try, also converted by Dakuvula.
With just seven minutes to go, Japan gave themselves a glimmer of hope with a try to captain Takashi Kikutani off the back of a ruck to bring the scores closer at 17-8.
But Fiji's inside centre Iliesa Keresoni extinguished any Japanese hopes with Fiji's third touchdown from a brilliant breakout by the backline just three minutes later.
The other game in the four-team round robin competition this weekend will see Samoa take on neighbours and close rivals Tonga in the Samoan capital Apia.
