How Japan's players rated during theior 59-14 defeat to England at Allianz Stadium.
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.
The Pacific Nations Cup final proved too tall of a peak for a young Japan side in Osaka, falling to a Flying Fijians squad who lived up to their name in a 41-17 title-winning effort.
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.
Two days prior to the match, the biggest surprise during the lineup announcement was moving Seungsin Lee, who had consistently been used at fly-half, to fullback.
Fans were lined up outside the Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium before the gates had even opened on a sunny Sunday afternoon in Tokyo
Driven by a strong desire to reach the finals on home soil, Japan emerged victorious once again with a score of 49-27.