Fiji's new coach, Jake White, stated that his team has the potential to become a 'huge force' in next year's Rugby World Cup, following their 34-28 victory over the Japanese team led by Eddie Jones in Tokyo on Saturday during his first match.
The 62-year-old White previously brought his native South Africa glory at the 2007 World Cup and also worked as a coach in Australia, France, and Japan before taking the position in Fiji this month. He secured a winning start in a tense, rainy match against the Japanese side coached by Jones.
Australian Jones served as White's technical consultant during South Africa's World Cup win. White did not include players from Europe in his squad and named four new players as captains. He expressed confidence that Fiji 'can beat anyone' on their day and supported the team's ability to impress at the World Cup in Australia next year.
White noted: 'If we can give them some control, structure, and some organization, and I can assemble the best 33 players for the World Cup, I sincerely believe they can be a huge force in the World Cup.'
Japan and Fiji will travel to Europe for Nations Cup matches next month. Japan will play Wales, England, and Scotland, while Fiji will face France, Ireland, and Italy. White will be able to utilize his staff from Europe for these games, but he was impressed by the players he selected to face Japan.
He added: 'If this is the level of players we can gather from the islands, there is no reason why they couldn't become a force in the World Cup.'
Both teams scored three touchdowns in the first half and one more after the break. Fiji substitute Ben Volaval decided the match with two penalties late in the game. These two teams met in the Pacific Nations Cup final in Tokyo a month ago, where Japan won 20-15. This rematch was held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japan Rugby Federation.
White stated: 'We know Fiji can play with elegance, we know they have incredible skill—all I wanted to do was bring some control.' He continued: 'The way we played in the last 15 minutes really pleased me.'
Naoto Saito gave Japan an early lead, but tries from Kitione Salava and captain Tevita Ikanivere put Fiji ahead. Japan responded with a try from captain Warner Diarns, after which Fiji regained the lead through Tuidrakai Samasamuvodre. Faulua Makisi tied the score for Japan before halftime, but Terio Tamani scored for Fiji a few minutes after the restart. Japan attacked again with a try from Diarns, but Volaval remained calm to finally put Fiji ahead.
Jones noted that 'the biggest difference in the game was the number of turnovers.' He also expressed support for White in achieving success with Fiji before the World Cup. Former coaches of Australia and England, Jones commented: '(On Saturday) he included four or five new captains, and I saw him talking about going to all the Fijian islands to find more talent.' He concluded: 'All he will do is find the best talent in Fiji and push it forward.'