Junior Japan have dedicated their World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2020 win to those around the globe that have been affected by the coronavirus.

Speaking to SUNsports after their 21-12 win over the Swire Shipping Fijian Warriors, Junior Japan coach Yoshitake Mizuma said playing for those affected by the coronavirus enabled his players to show that attitude as they were able to contain and frustrate the Warriors by forcing them into making mistakes.

“Fiji was a very tough opponent but they gave us the opportunity to show what we have,” he said.

A disappointed Warriors coach Kele Leawere said his players’ failure to play discipline rugby really let them down.

“We had three yellow cards and that cost us the game,” the former Flying Fijians lock said.

“You got to have that discipline, it’s very important”

Leawere said the Japanese had an advantage on the scrums.

“Full credit to the Japanese side, they came out firing.

“We’ve a lot to work to do on ball retention. We needed to keep that ball, a lot of 50-50 passes but heads up to the Japanese team, they were hungry for that win.”

Centre Epeli Momo, prop Joseva Nasaroa and inside centre Filimoni Savou were yellow carded for dangerous play and collapsing the scrum.

The Fijians scored a try in the 4th minute when Momo burst his way through two players to score with halfback Simione Kuruvoli adding the extras.

Yuichiro Wada booted a penalty as Japan trailed 7-3.

The Japanese forwards dominated the scrum that enabled their first five eight Rintaro Maruyama to cross over for their first try as they led 8-3.

Wada extended Japan’s lead as they led 14 – 7 at halftime.

Warriors skipper Tuidraki Samusamuvodre scored Fiji’s second try after Kuruvoli bursts through a gap to run 50 metres before passing it on to Samusamuvodre to score.

Junior Japan took control as the Warriors committed simple mistakes in their frustrations.

Meanwhile, Tonga A came in third after walloping Samoa A 36-10.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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