Fiji vs Japan Pacific Nations Cup Final 2024 09 21 Second Half
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SportsTranscript
00:00They move up quickly. Quality contest.
00:13And then he gets a second half underway and he keeps it outside the 22.
00:18So Fiji unable to call a mark.
00:26Now they carry.
00:30Omani kicks from outside the 22.
00:35And the ball's lost forward, so this is another free position for Fiji.
00:39Now Maui, a loose-head prop, so he can drill the ball quickly.
00:49He's been full of running to assess it.
00:54Kitsi with a good tackle.
00:58Tapua Vao at first receiver.
01:01The midfield combination, McCarron and Reilly, off the line quick to shut it down.
01:06Muntz.
01:10Now Armstrong Ravula, picked up and hit hard by Warner Dirks.
01:19Muntz.
01:22Reilly, Kitsi with the tackle.
01:26And Omani, in the air.
01:29Turutama.
01:33Oh, he's a bit of skill.
01:36And then they're able to squeeze the kick off, so they're under pressure now, Japan.
01:44Got run out from deep inside their own half, Fujiwara.
01:50No knock-on.
01:58Fujiwara.
02:02Very physical in those forward exchanges.
02:10And Fujiwara.
02:12Armstrong Ravula.
02:15And they've gotten rid of the first defender, tried to offload in the tackle of the second.
02:20And now Tawake. Tawake with the right-hand offload.
02:25Ball's loose.
02:27Hey guys, there's no advantage from that. There was a knock-on from White in the tackle.
02:35Both teams with the handling there, as you can see.
02:38The difficulty of trying to play with that offload.
02:42Because the ball is so slippery.
02:44The jersey's so slippery.
02:46Making it difficult.
02:48Yeah, so the yellow card will remain a yellow card, OK?
02:51OK, because the ball carrier was dropping.
02:53OK.
02:55Time's up.
02:57Yep, make the sub.
02:59Yep, sure.
03:01It is a scrum.
03:03Because the ball carrier was trying to drop the ground off.
03:06Now, because it's scrum, they have to bring on the hooker, so they'll lose probably their number six.
03:12White got a hand to it in the tackle.
03:18The injustice of sport.
03:20You've done nothing wrong, but you have to sit down.
03:26Stay there, please.
03:28They sit next to the naughty boys.
03:30Yeah.
03:32And sit down and contemplate life for the next five minutes, eh?
03:35As usual.
03:37Time out.
03:40It's still 15-on-14. No Frank Lamani.
03:43Two players immediately behind the scrum.
03:45Four out on the long side.
03:50For Fiji.
03:59Good scrum from Fiji.
04:01And a penalty as well.
04:03There's the one-man advantage.
04:06Not a smart play, isn't it?
04:08Very smart play.
04:12If you keep it in, you're going to get that penalty.
04:16Good hit initially by Japan to absorb Fiji's power.
04:20There's that second shove.
04:24They want to go deep on the two here.
04:36That's a good ball.
04:40It's been a massive part of the play.
04:42Finishes for both teams, the reserves.
04:44Coming on, making an impact.
04:48Salawa. Flat ball for Vota.
04:54And Lamani.
04:58Salawa for Vota.
05:00Spinning at the line as...
05:03Tawake hits the ball forward now.
05:05Tapua Vale on the 22.
05:07Lamani.
05:09They're going to switch back to right side for Tawake.
05:14Trying to build phases with the ball at the back door.
05:18Vota opens them up, looking for the inside ball.
05:23Fiji.
05:25Numbers down the right edge.
05:27Marks! So close.
05:29So close.
05:31So close, Caleb Muntz.
05:33Did he kick that ball in the field of play?
05:36Time's off.
05:40So I've got a grounding.
05:42Obviously we just want to check touch there.
05:44OK, so on foot assistance is a try.
05:46We'll just clean this up.
05:50Yes, go on, mate.
05:52On foot assistance is a try.
05:54Just needs you to check touch, please.
05:56What about the break for Vota?
05:58He got it all started.
06:00Now Muntz, we thought he was in.
06:02He must have been going out to pass the ball inside.
06:04It wasn't Vota trailing to catch this and put it down.
06:14This is pretty freakish if we're able to keep this in the score.
06:18So Nick, what I'm going to show you first is a clear obstruction
06:22by 8 black, which creates a line break before the try.
06:26OK, put it up on screen then.
06:28Just going to bring it up for your screen first.
06:30I'm going to show you this first before we weigh back grounding.
06:32Yeah, thanks.
06:34Did he open the hole up for Vota?
06:38It's going to be here.
06:42I think the player's still here, isn't he?
06:44He fixed their tackle.
06:46Yeah, there's play on for me.
06:49OK.
06:51So 8 in front of the ball carrier.
06:53And he affects the ability for that player to make that tackle.
06:56He did make the tackle, he just missed it there.
06:58You guys all agree?
07:00It's unlucky for Fiji if it's going to be taken off them.
07:03I know it's a subjective call.
07:05Yeah.
07:07OK, so we're going to disallow the try.
07:098 black is in front of the ball carrier.
07:11And he's affected the ability for the white defender to make that tackle.
07:14So it'll be a penalty against 8 black back on the 22.
07:18It's obstruction.
07:20Tex, I'll explain.
07:22So number 8 is in front of the ball carrier.
07:25And he's affected the ability for the white defender to make that tackle.
07:28He didn't make the tackle he wanted to, OK?
07:30He can't be hit by a player in front, OK?
07:33So it'll be a penalty back here.
07:35We've been critical because he missed a tackle.
07:37But I suppose if Tanaka Vardy was in the game,
07:40he would have been able to make a better tackle.
07:42But that's what they're saying.
07:44So that's two ties, Fiji.
07:46You've had tries pulled back.
07:48Fair enough, too.
07:50Technically the right call.
07:52Thanks, mate.
07:54Obstruction.
07:56I think the quality of the official in this tournament will be outstanding.
08:01I agree.
08:03A lot of movement.
08:05Yeah.
08:07A lot of times when they could have really done things to the level of the law.
08:10But they've shown some discretion.
08:12He's such an important part of the team.
08:19These are the first tactical changes made by any of their coaches.
08:22They've had a couple of move-in replacements.
08:24But technically Eddie Jones going to his bench,
08:27wanting some more impact from the finishers to come on, lift the level.
08:30He knows his team have been scrambling
08:32for the last 10 minutes while they've been down a player.
08:36Very, very smart substitution to be called for that.
08:39And I want it to come back as well.
08:41So, in effect, they get three fresh bodies coming on.
08:50Inside the Japanese half, that's right.
08:52OK.
08:54Guys, the knock-outs in the line-outs are out here on the 15th.
08:56That's a minute or so left.
09:03Fiji have good game management.
09:05It's been brilliant.
09:07Either been down a man before the half.
09:09The scramblers are out defensively.
09:11They know they'll always fit.
09:13Eddie Jones doesn't muck around in that department.
09:15But now this is where Fiji need to strike.
09:18Crouch!
09:21Fine!
09:23And Frank Lamoni,
09:25there are two players immediately behind the screen for him,
09:28out on this long side to the left.
09:33Muntz gets the ball away.
09:36Goes to the line.
09:39Lamoni.
09:45And Sanakobata.
09:48Making his two tries to slam for Fiji.
09:51You cannot roll.
09:53Thank you, Juan.
09:55Who is it?
09:57Tawake.
09:59Good tackle.
10:01Japan on the Avanos line on Big Tawake.
10:05And now Hota.
10:07He's proving to be a big threat.
10:10Armstrong Ravula.
10:12Good defence, Japan.
10:15Outstanding run of turns.
10:18What a tournament he's having.
10:19Armstrong Ravula now for Drossese.
10:23He's going to beat them all into touch.
10:28A small win for Japan.
10:31I think that's massive defensively.
10:34A statement made by Japan.
10:37They get back to their full complement of 15 members.
10:41Fiji actually running out of ideas,
10:43hence why they did the kick pass.
10:46Didn't effect it properly.
10:48That's well done by the home team
10:50to not drop any points while they've been down.
10:52So they get Fakataba back as well.
10:55Good contest.
10:56And it is with a line out win,
10:58and Hirata's into his wake.
11:00Straight away.
11:03Now Fakataba on the halfway.
11:05Tatekawa.
11:07Quick hands at midfield
11:09where this brilliant midfield combination
11:11for Japan go to work.
11:13Fujiwara.
11:15Left side attack.
11:17And now Marlowe Tutama
11:19from a standing start.
11:25Just lost forward by Japan
11:27trying to up the tempo
11:29in this second half.
11:32Second half, Japan.
11:38Yeah, it's getting busy down on the sideline, isn't it?
11:40This final really energy-sapping
11:43for both of these squads.
11:46It's going to take something special, isn't it?
11:48Someone like O'Reilly.
11:51And one to Frank Lomani.
11:53Shoushang Li.
11:59Very flat here, attacking in the middle of Fiji.
12:01Very wide as well.
12:04Three.
12:07Four.
12:10Five.
12:13Six.
12:17Five.
12:19Stop pushing, please, once the whistle goes.
12:21Yeah, OK.
12:23Yeah, guys, it's clearly silly.
12:25OK? Bring it over here.
12:27Come on, keep up.
12:30I can understand Japanese and Fiji
12:32both boys talking to each other.
12:34Love it.
12:41There's the mark, guys.
12:43Just bring the height up, OK?
12:45Just bring it up a little bit so we don't see it.
12:49Only ten minutes in the second half.
12:51We're still in an hour whistle, as they say.
12:55Every attack,
12:57the majority of the attack of both teams
12:59has been shut down by
13:01defensive defences.
13:03It's reflected in the ten all-score line.
13:07And it'll be a case of Uluviti going to crack first.
13:09Another highly contested scrum,
13:11Wata,
13:13taking once with a show and go at the line.
13:15The half gap.
13:19And another penalty advantage
13:21for Fiji.
13:25Now they march for Uluviti
13:27with a very important tackle.
13:32Armstrong,
13:34for Maui.
13:36He gets the ball away in the tackle.
13:39Guys, no advantage in that comeback.
13:41Wyatt Looshead in on the angle.
13:45Maui at the wake, but very active
13:47for Fiji in the front row.
13:49Wyatt Looshead, not pushing straight.
13:51Wyatt in that far channel,
13:53not driving straight is the penalty,
13:55so a kick for touch here, Fiji.
14:01And another penalty for Fiji.
14:03And another penalty for Uluviti.
14:15Time off.
14:17Time off, guys, sorry.
14:31Jersey number 23.
14:36Audience back in New Zealand
14:38will recognise him from
14:40Rotorua Boys High.
14:42Where he finished his high school education.
14:47And Nasila Sila with a line out.
14:49And the ball is put down.
14:57It was a good pass, wasn't it, from Frank Lomani
14:59and the skipper takes a seat.
15:01He's done all his cannings.
15:03Been fantastic once again.
15:23Nice and square, thank you.
15:26That's an uncompromising contest.
15:28Both teams have just got to keep
15:30going at each other.
15:32See who's going to break first.
15:36Intriguing contest.
15:38Ten all.
15:40Twelve minutes gone.
15:44Good scrum from Japan.
15:46And now they shift.
15:48McCurran.
15:50McCurran goes hard at the line
15:52and then produces the ball.
15:55It's turned over Salawa
15:57for Fiji.
15:59Onto the ball quickly, Lomani.
16:01Muntz.
16:03And now Maui
16:05takes the tackle.
16:09Muntz had to reach back
16:11and up for that ball
16:13from a standing start.
16:15Gets his team over the advantage line.
16:17Now Armstrong Ravula
16:19with a flat ball at midfield.
16:21Fiji building pressure.
16:23Ravula.
16:25Damed on the inside.
16:27Gave it love for Drossese.
16:29And he lost the ball.
16:31It is punch and counterpunch
16:33between Fiji and Japan.
16:35The highest quality, isn't it?
16:39Probably not the catch there from the winger.
16:41Drossese should have been better.
16:47Taking it to pre-contact
16:49but the build-up was absolutely brilliant.
16:51Some of the shots given in defence.
16:53Some of the shots taken on attack.
16:55Outstanding.
16:57Another big defensive play from Osada.
17:01He'd been good to Moki.
17:03Osada.
17:05Tough kid.
17:07Good defender.
17:09Good reader of the play.
17:11He put that pressure on Drossese.
17:17Now Koyama
17:19for Fujiwara and Hasco.
17:21Koyama.
17:47Koyama to make it sure.
17:51Koyama.
17:55Come on.
17:57And another big runner.
17:59Big physical presence.
18:01Koyama.
18:07Japan.
18:11Straight in with Curry.
18:13Tough carry for the second 5-0.
18:15Koyama.
18:17Hold six. Thank you.
18:21Drossese.
18:25Armstrong, Ravula.
18:27Puts the ball up and the chase is coming
18:29from Drossese.
18:31And a brilliant take.
18:35Koyama quickly.
18:37They shift.
18:39Tackled by Vanakavatta.
18:45Collins.
18:48And a penalty for Fiji.
18:52Fantastic work at the break down.
18:54A big shift put in by Miri.
18:58He's had a game tonight too.
19:00Really stood out.
19:02Really physical.
19:08By Wata.
19:10That's the second turnover.
19:12Second penalty he's got.
19:14He's definitely got to have a shot here.
19:18And it's a goal.
19:21He's in the game tonight.
19:2335.
19:25He'll...
19:33Immediately.
19:35Thanks, guys.
19:37Koyama.
19:39And there's the goal.
19:41That's it.
19:43And it's a goal.
19:45still when he's approaching. Thanks guys.
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20:16He's got it. He's got it.
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23:00He's got it. He's got it.
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23:21He's got it. He's got it.
23:22He's got it. He's got it.
23:23He's got it. He's got it.
23:24He's got it. He's got it.
23:25He's got it. He's got it.
23:26He's got it. He's got it.
23:27He's got it. He's got it.
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23:29He's got it. He's got it.
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23:31He's got it. He's got it.
23:32He's got it. He's got it.
23:33Flying down the long line in Masai.
23:36Carl Tanana picked it, that he was a game changer.
23:39As soon as the kick walked out onto the park,
23:42and they are high-fiving in the coaching box,
23:45as Fiji jump ahead by eight points,
23:48with the kick to cut.
23:50Well, you can just feel it from up here,
23:52how they lifted the tempo, Frank Lomardi, so integral.
23:55But I think also Armstrong Rabuda coming up into the front line,
23:59there's been a difference.
24:00You see that nice pass there into space,
24:02and then the Olympic silver medallist,
24:05Mugane Naimasi, gets an all-important score.
24:09Beautiful back ball, nice tip-off, ball into space.
24:13That's five points.
24:17They've done something special to our 15s games,
24:20these sevens players that have come back into it.
24:25The Manu Samoa, back three,
24:27have been sensational through this tournament.
24:30Mugane Naimasi, brilliant.
24:37The Fijians.
24:51For Japan.
24:56Now we go into the championship rounds,
24:58Mugane Naimasi has given Fiji the all-important two-score lead.
25:02A lot of hands on hips.
25:05Skipper can't do anything about it now.
25:08He's a guy like this, right here,
25:10so he's saying, Lee, do something special.
25:16It's his turn now.
25:19He's close and caught a brilliant kick.
25:22Oh, didn't lose it in the contact.
25:25Gee, it was a fabulous restart as well.
25:2711 metres, just over the 10.
25:31They look like they've done enough to win the ball.
25:34But then they lost it in the tackle.
25:36Just as they went to deck.
25:38Lost the ball forward.
25:41It's perfect, exactly what you want.
25:43Ball back from the restart.
25:51You have a good prospect,
25:52alongside Flank and Yusuke Kajimura.
25:57Coming on as well for Fiji as they...
26:03need two scores to get it done.
26:07Eddie Jones will be hoping the injection of fresh energy...
26:13against some tired defenders will get the job done.
26:15That's the logic.
26:23The juices flowing through the Fijians now.
26:27They know the importance of this scrum right here.
26:30Get together to skip up,
26:31just have a little talk to his men.
26:34This is where we're going to switch on
26:35and take it up a level.
26:44A really important final quarter,
26:45as Kato Mana has alluded to.
26:50The home team down by 10.
26:52And then...
26:56Lomane...
26:59once...
27:01stands and sends it down.
27:08And now Japan on the return.
27:13And then...
27:15Pauline's mapusua.
27:18It's called Yama, the new heartbreak of course.
27:20Second man play.
27:22And a quick lead finder.
27:24A little bit of space on the right edge.
27:30Nakisi.
27:34Lee, quick hands.
27:38Another two-time second receiver.
27:41Lee.
27:43Oh, the ball.
27:47Penalty advantage I think for Japan
27:48from the earlier infringement.
27:50Fiji.
27:57They need to rush here for Japan.
27:59No need to go to panic stations.
28:00Just need to be accurate.
28:09Stuck in their heart for a long time
28:10for the majority of the second stanza.
28:12So now they're going to get an opportunity
28:15to launch from the line-up.
28:16We're doing the Supreme.
28:47It's a tough fight too.
28:48You have to have it because of the conditions.
28:50But what they're doing is absolutely broken there
28:52because you can feel the momentum starting to shift.
28:54They wanted that line-out.
28:58They tried.
29:00You have to say that
29:01the one-minute water break taken now favours Fiji
29:04because they're inside their own quarter, on defence.
29:06Now they get a chance to come together for a minute,
29:08regroup, get some instructions,
29:10have a little bit of a breather.
29:13And for the Japan team,
29:14they were up.
29:15They had the momentum.
29:16100% agree.
29:17100% agree.
29:19This is a nice try.
29:21Just look at the skill base.
29:22Draw and pass.
29:23Simple stuff.
29:24But if you do it to that effect,
29:26on that level,
29:27this is the result.
29:29Potentially game-changing.
29:31Try from Ranginomasi.
29:32Oh, yeah.
29:35Two golds and a silver medal
29:36at the three Olympic Games for Fiji.
29:38Incredible.
29:39Incredible achievement
29:41for them to play in consecutive Olympic gold.
29:43Okay.
29:44Olympic finals.
29:51They're their 15th team.
29:52Okay, guys.
29:56All right, guys, you ready to go?
29:57We'll get going.
29:58Going well and truly on their journey.
30:00Okay, Fiji, we'll get going.
30:01Towards the topping of the competition.
30:06Don't forget,
30:07on our social media platforms,
30:08you can follow PNC Conversations.
30:12Upload it.
30:13A lot of fun with the social media channels
30:16across the world.
30:22Just talking about the Fijian Sevens programme.
30:24The 15th world member quarter-finalists
30:26of Rugby World Cup France last season.
30:28Now, finding themselves in the final
30:30ahead of Pacific Nations Cup.
30:31What they've done up at the set-up at the Dru.
30:34Two big moving times
30:35for Fiji Rugby.
30:36Exciting times.
30:42That's back.
30:43And the line-out is going to come on the Fijian side.
30:49He can't evade it.
30:52This way.
30:53Black, black, white.
30:54Muntz.
30:55Okay.
30:56Putting it deep into the half,
30:58into the 22.
30:59It's going to roll out.
31:00Brilliant play from Caleb Muntz.
31:04From inside their own 22,
31:06they were able to re-grip.
31:08I can't help but think that water break
31:10was a big factor.
31:11Their 50-22 as well.
31:12More importantly,
31:13he's going to get the throw into the line-out.
31:15Yeah, definitely was a factor.
31:16Because the line-out went wonky.
31:18As you said,
31:19they had the ability to talk.
31:21And this is what it means,
31:22the big moments.
31:23The big gun step-up.
31:25Absolute game-changer right there from Caleb Muntz.
31:32So he'd gone from a Japanese attacking line-out,
31:34now they've got to go to a defending line-out.
31:41You can see the middle of the line-out.
31:45That's a tackle.
31:46Work it back.
31:47Work it back, please.
31:49Play that now, nine.
31:52So they have to carry.
31:55Water.
31:56He's been good.
31:57Water.
31:59He hit it.
32:03Not getting the lunging.
32:05Hit on the Ibanez line.
32:06Lomani looking for the ball.
32:08Oh, Darwake.
32:10What a contribution from him.
32:11The tight-head prop.
32:13Now another right-hand play.
32:16Watch this guy.
32:18Inside, a couple defenders.
32:24And they're rolling through the phases.
32:26Darwake.
32:28Muntz.
32:31He's a tough kid.
32:32Muntz has nothing on,
32:33so he went to the line himself.
32:36Now a flip-off.
32:37Lungan and Masi on the outside.
32:40Trying to keep the ball alive.
32:42Fiji.
32:44Oh, so close.
32:45Desperation.
32:46Defence in the end.
32:49But they are heating.
32:50They are warming it up now, Fiji.
32:54Oh, look at this work down the short corridor.
32:56Lungan, Masi gives it out to Salama.
32:58Look at him.
32:59He has no right to stay in.
33:01Does extremely well.
33:02Oh, this would have been all time
33:03if they got over here, Fiji.
33:08So it's an innovation of line-out time from Japan.
33:14Lee looking for field position.
33:16Yeah, ball carrier dropping into that.
33:18There's no foul play.
33:21Fiji.
33:23Tackling line-out.
33:25Getting the time on the clock for Japan.
33:33A two-score game.
33:38I guess this was a short line-out here, Fiji.
33:40They've done it all game long,
33:42so it's something obviously they've seen pre-game.
33:47Jiren and Lungan was in the middle
33:49of the line-out.
33:50They've got the ball.
33:51They've got the ball.
33:52Jiren and Lungan was in the middle.
33:57Oh, it's a little trick play.
34:01That's a Vata coming back on the inside.
34:03Now the drive from Fiji.
34:06Now a little short ball.
34:07Now Sila.
34:08Sila within a metre.
34:13Now the pick-and-go from Tuisei.
34:17I'm going upstairs to have a look.
34:21Time-off.
34:23Oh, this is a try for sure.
34:24I've got nothing down either.
34:25I just don't know if he got there the first time
34:27before I come round to check.
34:28All right, so we're going to clean this up.
34:31Damon, coming to you.
34:32On-field decisions are no try.
34:35I believe the ball was held up.
34:37I just want to make sure that ball carrier
34:38didn't get the ball to ground initially, please.
34:42You spoke about the bench
34:43He's got a score now.
34:45There's the other man in jersey.
34:46Albert Tuisei.
34:50Eyeless one.
34:52That looked OK in real time.
34:59There.
35:02It's held up after that,
35:03but that first initial put-down.
35:06Yep.
35:08Jeez, I think that's down.
35:10OK.
35:13OK, thank you.
35:20Come back to me now, mate.
35:21OK.
35:22I need to change my on-field decision.
35:23Ball's clearly being grounded,
35:24so it's a try.
35:26Well, we talked a moment ago about
35:28the quality of the play.
35:29It's a try.
35:31It's a try.
35:33It's a try.
35:34It's a try.
35:35We talked a moment ago about
35:36the quality of the officiating.
35:41Nick Berry.
35:45He didn't see it,
35:46so he didn't call it.
35:48Asked the GMO to have a look,
35:49and they saw it.
35:51And in the end, again,
35:52they've come up with the right decision.
35:53Tuisei.
35:57Great low body position.
35:58Great strength.
36:00And the two tries,
36:01as Carlton Unn has alluded to,
36:02in the second half by Fiji,
36:04both being scored by bench players.
36:08That's what we call impact.
36:22Caleb Norris.
36:29Another tournament.
36:34You know, he had a strong hand in that
36:35with a carry when he had no option
36:37on the outside.
36:38Caleb wants to get the run
36:40like a forward himself.
36:42That's the thing.
36:43I think he's had to play a different game
36:45this final.
36:47He had the ability to go out the back door,
36:48so he's had to take a lot of that
36:50onus on himself to set up
36:51the first receiver.
36:52And then, more importantly,
36:53Jose Armstrong or Abula
36:55has been that link coming in
36:56in jersey number 15
36:57as the next player
36:59Next playmaker.
37:20This kick last time
37:21was perfect as well.
37:22That one just
37:25about a metre and a half too far.
37:27A little money.
37:30And puts Japan back
37:31in their own half.
37:32Marlowe Tuitama.
37:36He's a player.
37:37They need to get the ball to Tuitama.
37:38Away from three defenders.
37:40Then an inside pass
37:41to keep the play alive.
37:43A brilliant play from Tuitama.
37:47But Fiji go to work
37:48at the breakdown
37:49and they win the ball back.
37:51Caleb Muntz.
37:53Just waiting on.
37:56Osara.
37:58Loses the ball forward.
38:03Hey guys,
38:04you didn't hear the whistle.
38:09It's all underneath the surface,
38:10isn't it?
38:12Simmering away.
38:14It's Lomani in there.
38:19Nah, it was your guy
38:20who started it.
38:22We're out of the race guys.
38:24All right, just be careful.
38:25Yeah, that's fine.
38:27You know he's got a back-up
38:28that's had a reason he's in there.
38:30Time off.
38:31Make the sounds.
38:33What you got?
38:34Two.
38:38He's got himself
38:39in the wrong position,
38:40didn't he?
38:41Had a little look
38:42before securing that ball.
38:44Little bit of afters.
38:45Didn't miss, did he?
38:46Didn't miss.
38:48A little reminder.
38:53Order off.
38:54Order off.
38:56Okay, let's go.
38:57Sub to main.
39:01Mark to the left, please.
39:05Keep the pace, okay?
39:08Line up, please.
39:09Line up.
39:11Stop moving.
39:12Can you go to the left a bit?
39:13Yeah, okay.
39:14Okay, now keep your foot
39:15and then you mark up.
39:18Let's go.
39:19Go now.
39:23Now.
39:25Frank, Frank.
39:29Crouch.
39:33Five.
39:36Six.
39:37Seven.
39:38Eight.
39:39Nine.
39:40Ten.
39:41Here he's at.
39:42He's at the back.
39:43Mane's dropped off.
39:45Yeah, a little attacking kick
39:46and it's wound in the air.
39:49Initially
39:50by Japan
39:51and then wound back
39:52by Fiji Armstrong.
39:53Oh, that's a great shot.
39:56Good defence
39:57from Japan.
40:00Stop that play there.
40:03Too soon.
40:05Hold that right.
40:08You can read here
40:09the captain.
40:11No half back.
40:13Now Muntz.
40:16Wata.
40:18He's had an impact as well.
40:20Wata.
40:23And now Tapuavao.
40:25Longanimasi.
40:27With the offload
40:28and the tackle.
40:29Now the chance down the right edge
40:30and they're going to go
40:31back to back.
40:35They have been so good
40:36on that right edge tonight.
40:39Fiji.
40:41They had control of the ball
40:42in Japan
40:43and then they lost it.
40:44And Fiji converted it
40:45into another try.
40:47When you speak about
40:48the shot put on
40:50and the consequence of that.
40:52The back door.
40:53Second back door.
40:55Goes to cross field.
40:56Drawn past.
40:57Look at the pre-line footwork
40:59and the offload as well.
41:00They go with it.
41:02That is insane rugby
41:03from Fiji.
41:05And they ice this final.
41:15Two tonight for
41:16Karawalevu.
41:18And what about
41:19the impact of
41:22Longanimasi
41:23out on that right edge.
41:25One try himself
41:26and then a brilliant offload.
41:33Caleb Muntz.
41:40How's this for a stat?
41:42Fiji have not conceded
41:44a single point
41:45in the second half
41:46of this competition.
41:48And again they've done it
41:49in the final.
41:50Those 10 points from Japan
41:51all coming in the first half.
41:53Fiji just upping
41:54the ante defensively
41:55every single game
41:56in the second half.
41:58And that's the reason why
41:59they're going to take this win.
42:01And what a tournament
42:02and what a year it has been
42:03for Caleb Muntz.
42:06In the number 10
42:09for Fiji.
42:10Thrust into that
42:12position with the full support
42:13of Aaron Major.
42:15Good talk to Aaron earlier
42:16in the week about the role
42:18and growth and development
42:19of this kid Caleb Muntz.
42:21He's kicking, he's passing,
42:23he's running going.
42:25Really impressive.
42:26He's a tough kid as well, KT.
42:28When there's nothing on
42:29he'll go to the line himself
42:30with the ball and you think
42:31he's another forward.
42:32He has his decisions
42:33and he's making the right
42:34decisions under the heat.
42:36Whether he be taking it up
42:37so he knows he can get
42:38a re-phase after that.
42:41Skills are supreme.
42:42He's kicking off the 10.
42:43Absolutely outstanding.
42:44Defensively he doesn't
42:45shy away either.
42:46So all the earmarks
42:49right there for the building
42:50box one could be something
42:51special moving forward.
42:52Caleb Muntz, that's for sure.
42:59Japan, they're chasing
43:00the game now.
43:04They can't afford to muck around
43:05a little.
43:06Play of the field
43:07will open up the defence.
43:09And in plays like that
43:10off every position
43:11they're going to make
43:12an impression.
43:13There's another line break
43:15for Fiji.
43:18Sends them down the right edge
43:19but they lose the ball again.
43:23You're from the side,
43:24so we're going to play that
43:25knock on.
43:29Again that defence
43:30showing up for Fiji
43:31when it's needed most
43:32in the second half.
43:33Big shot put on.
43:34A loose carry from Japan.
43:38Another stop of momentum
43:39but we go back to
43:40that line break.
43:41That line out
43:42I think that was
43:43for Fiji.
43:47It's not the referee's fault
43:48either.
43:49It's just the way
43:50it's worked out.
44:01Nah, he's a forward.
44:03It would be frustrating
44:04if they had done so well.
44:06Japan, if you just
44:07joined our coverage
44:08we were alluding to
44:09the water break
44:10that was taken at 26.
44:11Japan had advanced
44:12to a great field position
44:13but an attacking line out
44:14inside.
44:16Fiji's 22
44:17when they took
44:18the water break.
44:20And Fiji got the ball back
44:21and that has been
44:23onwards and upwards
44:24since then.
44:36And the Matawali
44:38Monts
44:40inside his own 22.
44:48New to the international
44:49circuit.
44:50He looks
44:53in a fabulous
44:55future.
44:57Now the Japan forwards
44:58go to work.
45:03Another position for Fiji.
45:05Coming out to the left edge.
45:10On the outside.
45:11Karawalevu
45:12turns the ball
45:13on the inside.
45:25And now Japan
45:26they have the ball
45:27but they're inside
45:28their own 22.
45:30Lee with an attacking kick
45:31they're chasing the game now.
45:35Fiji
45:37Ball's come out
45:38that's fine.
45:3930 metres out
45:40the quick and go
45:41into the backfield
45:42Monta
45:43with a beautiful
45:44left foot step.
45:48And Fiji
45:54Lange and Mussing
45:55what an impact
45:56he has had
45:58on this game
45:59brought to the
46:00praising forward
46:01and Lange and Mussing
46:02with that beautiful
46:03footwork and finish.
46:05Just the impact
46:06of the bench
46:07for Fiji
46:08has been a game changer.
46:10Buta has come on
46:11and made an impact
46:12no doubt about that
46:13Lange and Mussing as well.
46:14Look at the ball
46:15in the middle of the park
46:16Lange and Mussing
46:17picks that ball up
46:18beautiful left foot step
46:19easy as you please.
46:23Oh that is
46:24absolute money
46:25sits down.
46:26Chushang Lee
46:29Oh yeah you
46:30betcha
46:31Kava will be
46:32flowing.
46:35So much talent
46:36so much pace
46:40They have saved
46:41their absolute best
46:43for last
46:44Fiji
46:47What an exciting
46:48talent he is going to be
46:49in the 15th
46:51game
46:54Lange and Mussing
46:59And why wouldn't
47:00he be in the
47:0115th game
47:03And why wouldn't
47:04he be happy
47:05and delighted
47:08Caleb Muntz
47:11and the Japan team
47:12just not able
47:14to get enough
47:15quality position
47:16inside the Fiji
47:17half
47:21Matawalu
47:29Forza Evo
47:32An event now
47:33with a 41-10
47:38Scoreline is
47:39Matawalu
47:40puts the ball
47:41in the air
47:42for Malotuita
47:49Koti
47:55And the defence
47:56from Fiji
47:58anticipating
47:59and closing down
48:00the players
48:01There's an inside
48:02ball to try
48:03and mix it up
48:04Now they've got
48:05some numbers
48:06on the right edge
48:07Japan if they can
48:08get the ball there
48:12Caleb Muntz
48:13with plenty of time
48:16and a good angle
48:17to work with
48:19kicks the ball
48:20from inside
48:21the 22
48:23four metres
48:24into the Japan half
48:32Matawalu
48:37To look out
48:38for a run of dunes
48:42Not quite the same
48:43impact
48:45And it goes
48:46as well
48:47he tips the ball
48:48on Malotuita
48:49and a straight run
48:50to the line
48:55He is an exciting
48:57young talent
48:58on the international
48:59scene
49:01Malotuita
49:07Only his third test
49:08runs a beautiful
49:09line
49:10and from the moment
49:11he caught the ball
49:12there was always
49:13going to be a triumph
49:14for Tuitama
49:15under the post
49:20He's been great
49:21in the backfield
49:22tonight with only
49:23limited opportunities
49:25He's basically
49:26had to defend
49:27catch high balls
49:29look after his
49:30backfield
50:01How much resilience
50:02and how much character
50:03there is in this
50:04defensive effort
50:05of the Fijian team
50:07in their physical
50:08conditioning and
50:09organisation
50:10what a great job
50:11the staff have done
50:13headed by McBurn
50:14of course
50:19Here's Japan
50:22looking to get
50:23some positives at the end
50:24of what's been
50:25a tough night for them
50:31trying to make some
50:32runs
50:34Koyama
50:36on the ground
50:38both going backwards
50:39so referee
50:41says play on
50:45Koyama
50:46Warner-Dunes
50:48well he's been outstanding
50:49in a bit inside tonight
50:51Warner-Dunes
50:52I know it won't be
50:53much consolation for him
50:54but he's played well
50:55as Fiji
50:57fly up in defence
50:58and Japan
50:59for opportunities
51:00on the left edge
51:08and a little
51:09wrap around play
51:11and some invention
51:12from Japan
51:17and they've got
51:18a penalty advantage
51:19as well as the
51:20Fijian defence line
51:21he's been full of
51:22energy all night
51:23and Japan
51:24looking for a
51:25consolation finish
51:26are they going to get it
51:2926 metres out
51:30they've got the ball
51:31in field position
51:32and they lose it forward
51:35and that'll be it
51:36the final of the
51:37Pacific Nations Cup
51:3920-24
51:41Fiji
51:43and Japan
51:45and the
51:46Fijian team
51:47in their physical
51:48conditioning
51:49and organisation
51:50will be going to
51:51Fiji
52:00won this in
52:012013, 15, 16, 17, 18
52:0423 and now
52:0520-24
52:07Fiji
52:09the comprehensive
52:11and emphatic
52:12performance
52:14and remember
52:15it was only
52:1610-0
52:17at half time
52:18and then this
52:19remarkable
52:20Fiji team
52:21turned the
52:22power
52:23the pace
52:25and the
52:26spectacular
52:27brilliance
52:28especially of
52:29Lunganemasi
52:31to shut
52:32Japan
52:33completely
52:34out of the
52:35game
52:36and they
52:37thoroughly
52:38deserve
52:39their win
52:40in this year's
52:41tournament
52:42this revamped
52:43Pacific Nations
52:44tournament
52:45this is such
52:46a positive
52:47moment
52:48for the
52:49Pacific
52:59fabulous
53:00performance
53:01of Fiji