Japan overcame a second-half red card to secure a 36-20 victory over Uruguay at Chambéry Savoie Stadium on Saturday.
Japan hosted New Zealand with the chance to make a statement under returning head coach Eddie Jones, but what was a promising start soon fizzled out as the All Blacks ran away with a huge winning margin.
On September 21 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Japan’s national team faced Fiji in the final of the Pacific Nations Cup and lost 17-41.
While Japan showcased flashes of their signature Cho-soku rugby in the first half, the second half saw a clinical Fijian side take control, dominating Japan’s defence.
Japan head coach Eddie Jones has adopted the classic 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' motto in his selections for the Pacific Nations Cup final against Fiji.
Samoa and the USA were each dismissed in their semi-finals and will head to Osaka to fight it out for third place before the grand final sees the two heavyweights Fiji and Japan tussle for gold.
Driven by a strong desire to reach the finals on home soil, Japan emerged victorious once again with a score of 49-27.
Head coach Eddie Jones has enjoyed consistency of selection thus far in Japan's Pacific Nations Cup campaign and has opted to stick to the tried and true for his side's semi-final contest with Manu Samoa.
In their Pacific Nations Cup opener, Japan defeated the USA 41-24 at Kumagaya Rugby Stadium, showcasing strong performances from key players like Dylan Riley and Harumichi Tatekawa.