Japan player ratings vs Fiji | Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup

Fiji claimed the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 title, defeating host nation Japan with a commanding score of 41-17. While Japan showcased flashes of their signature Cho-soku rugby in the first half, the second half saw a clinical Fijian side take control, dominating Japan’s defence.

Below are the player ratings for Japan:

1. Shogo Miura - 6

As a starting prop, he brought stability to the scrum and set pieces. While it would be great to see a bit more variation in speed during ball carries and breakdowns, his relentless efforts—such as quickly getting back on his feet after tackles—consistently contributed to the team.

2. Mamoru Harada - 6

In defence, he forced a knock-on from the opposition in the 30th minute, preventing a try from Fiji and showcasing his defensive effort. However, in the 37th minute of the first half, despite his hard work, he received a yellow card for

a high tackle

3. Shuhei Takeuchi - 7

Strong scrum stability and solid work at the breakdown. In Harada's absence, he stepped in as a substitute line-out thrower just before the end of the first half.

While the first attempt was unsuccessful, he redeemed himself with a perfect throw to the back of the line-out on the second attempt.

4. Ratu Epeneri Uluiviti - 7

He channelled his passion against his home country, showing real fight in physical collisions. However, his aggression led to doing too much at times, resulting in unnecessary interventions and handling errors.

5. Warner Dearns - 8

Strong pressure at the breakdown, buying time for the team's defensive line to set up. Also utilized his height to apply pressure in aerial contests during kicks and line-outs, recording two steals.

6. Amato Fakatava - 5

Although he is typically known for his visible contributions on the field, his usual presence was less evident this time.

7. Kanji Shimokawa - 5

While he delivered a stable performance, his impact as a flanker was not as pronounced.

8. Faulua Makisi - 8

Solider on the field - effective carries on the edges and consistent commitment on both sides of the ball throughout the match and at the breakdown.

9. Shinobu Fujiwara - 8

His footwork, especially around the breakdown, remained sharp, consistently putting pressure on Fiji and becoming a troublesome presence for them.

10. Harumichi Tatekawa - 7

The veteran, making his 60th cap, organized the attack line and applied pressure on Fiji with kicks and passing skills. However, in the 32nd minute of the first half, a kick to the back rebounded, giving the opposition a try opportunity.

11. Malo Tuitama - 8

Even when receiving the ball in tight spaces, he used his footwork to squeeze through, making enough of a gain to move the line forward. He scored Japan's last try in the 77th minute to strike back against Fiji.

12. Nicholas McCurran - 8

Made crucial carries when needed, identified opportunities to transfer the ball to his teammates, and put his body on the line to help the team in pressure situations, making him a valuable yet humble contributor.

13. Dylan Riley - 9

His physicality shone on both sides of the ball in the backline. In the 19th minute, when he spotted space in the Fijian defence, his explosive speed allowed him to get behind their line, enabling him to finish the play by kicking the ball

through and regathering it on the goal line.

14. Tomoki Osada - 7

The defender of the day—despite Fiji's relentless physicality applying pressure on him at the edges, his competitive spirit throughout the game prevented Fiji from fully exploiting their running game.

15. Seungsin Lee - 7

In the first half, his running game during counter-attacks effectively broke through Fiji’s chase line. However, after shifting to fly-half in the 52nd minute, he had too little left in the tank to maintain the same level of performance

against a determined Fijian side.

Reserves

16. Kenta Matsuoka (played 15 mins for Harada) – N/A

He played for 4 minutes in place of Harada before receiving a yellow card and was substituted again with 11 minutes remaining in the game.

17. Takato Okabe (played 35 mins for Miura) - 4

Coming on in the second half, we hoped to see more energy and presence to shift the momentum, but it wasn't enough to counter Fiji’s fierce attack.

18. Keijiro Tamefusa (played 35 mins for Takeuchi) - 4

His performance was average, and he faced pressure from Fiji around the breakdown.

19. Isaiah Collins-Mapusua (played 27 mins for Ulu) - 5

After being jackled on the first play, giving Fiji three points, he quickly returned to form, showcasing his footwork in carries. When Osada was late-tackled, he immediately charged at the opponent, demonstrating his fighting spirit.

20. Tiennan Costley (played 20 mins for Shimokawa) - 6

True to form, he delivered a defensive effort that effectively struck back. Even in challenging situations, he continued to inspire his teammates, setting an example as a second-half substitute.

21. Taiki Koyama (played 27 mins for Fujiwara) - 5

After Lee moved to fly-half in the second half, he struggled to find rhythm in the half-back duo. Continued pressure from Fiji around the breakdown made it even more challenging for him to control the pace of the game.

22. Yusuke Kajimura (played 20 mins for McCurran) - 5

Although he displayed glimpses of his abilities with solid tackles and carries, it wasn't sufficient to change the momentum in Japan's favour.

23. Junta Hamano (played 29 mins for Tatekawa) - 5

Debut as a full-back. Though he played stable in his first match, the circumstances were too tough for him to establish a strong presence.