Japan have strengthened their Rugby World Cup 2027 preparations after winning the Pacific Nations Cup for the first time since 2019, with Ben Gunter playing a major role in the Brave Blossomsโ success. The flanker was named Player of the Match after producing an influential performance against defending champions Fiji in Tokyo.
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Japan defeated Fiji 20-15 in the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup final at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. Gunter scored Japanโs second try in the 58th minute before replacement Samisoni Tua crossed late to settle the contest.
The victory gave Japan their fourth Pacific Nations Cup title overall and ended Fijiโs hopes of winning the competition for a third consecutive year. It also provided Eddie Jonesโ team with an important confidence-building result less than 13 months before the Rugby World Cup begins in Australia.
Gunterโs performance was one of the major highlights of the final. His try helped Japan recover after Fiji had taken a 12-10 lead into half-time, while his defensive contribution remained important throughout the contest.
The result is particularly relevant with Japan Vs Samoa scheduled to open Japanโs Rugby World Cup 2027 campaign on October 3 in Newcastle. The Brave Blossoms will then face France and USA in Pool E, giving them a demanding three-match schedule.
Ben Gunter Makes His Mark in Japanโs PNC Triumph
Ben Gunter produced one of his most important performances for Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup final, helping the Brave Blossoms overcome Fiji in a tightly contested match. Japan entered the final against a Fiji side that had won the previous two editions of the competition. The Flying Fijians had beaten Japan in the 2024 and 2025 finals, meaning the Tokyo meeting offered Japan another opportunity to break that run.
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The contest remained close throughout the opening half. Fiji scored through Virimi Vakatawa and Tevita Ikanivere, while Japan responded through Mamoru Harada. Fiji eventually reached half-time with a 12-10 advantage.
Japan needed a response after the break, and Gunter provided it. In the 58th minute, Shinobu Fujiwara found the flanker with a neat pass, allowing Gunter to crash over for Japan’s second try of the match.
The score briefly put Japan ahead before Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula’s penalty brought Fiji level at 15-15. With the match still undecided, Japan continued to apply pressure and eventually found the decisive moment through replacement Samisoni Tua.
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Japan Gain Momentum Ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027
Winning the Pacific Nations Cup has given Japan another important piece of preparation ahead of Rugby World Cup 2027. The Brave Blossoms have been building international experience against strong opposition for several seasons, and their 2026 campaign added another significant achievement.
According to the official Rugby World Cup team profile, Japan had played 10 matches against top-10 ranked nations between 2024 and mid-2026, winning nine Tests during that period. That level of opposition has been part of the team’s preparation under Eddie Jones.
The 2026 Pacific Nations Cup provided another opportunity to test Japan’s squad before the World Cup. The final against Fiji was especially valuable because of the physical challenge posed by the Flying Fijians.
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Japan showed patience during the contest and remained competitive after Fiji took the lead. Gunter’s try demonstrated the contribution that Japan’s forwards can make in attacking situations, while Tua’s late score showed the importance of maintaining pressure deep into the match. Jones also stressed after the final that the team wanted to continue improving despite the title success.
That approach reflects the longer-term objective of preparing Japan for a much bigger challenge in Australia. The Pacific Nations Cup victory does not remove the challenges ahead, but it provides Japan with another competitive tournament experience and gives players such as Gunter an opportunity to strengthen their claims for the World Cup squad.
Eddie Jones Continues to Develop Japanโs Squad
Eddie Jones remains one of the central figures in Japan’s Rugby World Cup 2027 preparations. The Australian coach returned to Japan in early 2024 and has been working to develop a side capable of competing against some of the world’s strongest teams.
Jones already has a deep connection with Japanese rugby. He coached Japan during their famous 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign, when the Brave Blossoms produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks by defeating South Africa.
The current Japan team is different, but Jones is again attempting to create a side that combines structure, speed and tactical variety. The official Rugby World Cup profile highlights Japan’s high-tempo approach, with the team looking to move the ball quickly and shift it before contact. Gunter’s role fits into that approach because his work at flanker provides Japan with another option in both defence and attack.
His performance against Fiji showed his ability to contribute around the breakdown while also making an impact close to the try line. The PNC final also demonstrated the depth available to Jones. Japan used players from different parts of the squad during the match, with Tua coming from the bench to score the decisive try.
That competition for places will continue as Japan moves closer to Rugby World Cup 2027. The coaching staff will have further opportunities to evaluate players before selecting the final tournament squad.
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FAQs
1. When is Japan Vs Samoa at Rugby World Cup 2027?
Japan Vs Samoa is scheduled for October 3, 2027, at Newcastle Stadium in Australia.
2. Who is Ben Gunter?
Ben Gunter is a Japan international flanker who was named Player of the Match after scoring in Japan’s 2026 Pacific Nations Cup final victory over Fiji.
3. Did Japan win the 2026 Pacific Nations Cup?
Yes. Japan defeated Fiji 20-15 in the final in Tokyo to win the title for the first time since 2019.
4. Who will Japan face at Rugby World Cup 2027?
Japan are in Pool E with Samoa, France and USA.
5. What is Japan’s best Rugby World Cup result?
Japan’s best result is reaching the quarter-finals at Rugby World Cup 2019.