Pool B/Fiji 35 Japan 31:Fiji withstood a determined fightback from Japan to win a thrilling clash 35-31 yesterday and get their World Cup campaign off to a perfect start.
The Pacific Islanders scored their fourth try 10 minutes from full-time to seal a hard-earned victory and a bonus point after the lead changed hands six times in the closest game of the tournament so far.
Fijian openside flanker Akapusi Oera scored two tries and centre Seru Rabeni and lock Kele Leawere both crossed once while outhalf Nicky Little added three penalties and three conversions to become just the 13th player to pass 600 points in international rugby.
New Zealand-born lock Luke Thompson scored twice and prop Tomokazu Soma once for Japan, who were thrashed 91-3 by Australia in their opening game but rebounded strongly to earn the consolation of a bonus point for losing by less than seven points.
JAPAN: Aruga; Loamanu, Imamura, Onishi, Endo; Robins, Yoshida; Nishiura, Matsubara, Soma; H Ono, Thompson; Makiri, O'Reilly, Miuchi. Replacements: Yatomi for Yoshida (58), Onozawa for Aruga (60), Taira for Yatomi (65), Yamamura for Soma (69).
FIJI: Ratuvou; Delasau, Rabeni, Bai, Neivua; Little, Rauluni; Dewes, Koto, Qiodravu; Leawere, Lewaravu; Naevo, Qera, Koyamaibole. Replacements: Ratuva for Qera (58), Railomo for Qiodravu (68), Ligairi for Delasau, Talei for Koyamaibole (both 70).
Referee: M Jonker (S Africa).
