Fiji weary of Japanese forwards

Submitted by TemoL on Wed, 07/01/2009 - 14:44

The Flying Fijians will not taken anything for granted as they head into their final match of the Pacific Nations Cup against a vastly improved Japanese side.

In what has come as a suprise, Coach Ilivasi Tabua identified the Cherry Blossoms fast and mobile forwards as the danger for his team.

"We watched their game against Tonga and we found that they have a very strong forward pack," he said.

"We certainly cannot take this game for granted and we will be out their to play to our best assets."

Japan coach and former New Zealand winger John Kirwan said they had to believe themselves more play.

He said he was proud of the way the boys have been playing but they had a chance to take third place and they would be giving it their all come game time.

Fiji has to defeat Japan to take second place, which would be its highest position in the competition. Meanwhile Japan has to win against Fiji not only to break a 15 year drought but also take third place behind Samoa who are currently on second position.

The Fiji/Japan match will kick off on Friday at 3:10pm at the TFL National Stadium while Tonga takes on the Junior All Blacks a day after.

Tongan captain Nili Latu said they had nothing to lose in their final match and they would be going out to play their best rugby ever.