Jake White wasted no time stamping his authority on Fiji rugby, masterminding a thrilling 34-28 victory over Eddie Jones’s Japan in Tokyo on Saturday whilst declaring the Flying Fijians can become “a massive force” at next year’s World Cup in Australia.
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White, who guided South Africa to Webb Ellis Cup glory in 2007 with Jones as his technical adviser, has taken the reins of a Fijian side brimming with raw talent but often lacking the structure to convert flair into silverware. His winning start suggests that marriage of Pacific brilliance and championship nous could prove explosive.
“If we can just give them a little bit of control and structure and a bit of organisation, and I can get the best 33 players together for the World Cup, I genuinely believe that they can be a massive force,” White declared after the victory.
The South African threw down the gauntlet by selecting no Europe-based players and handing out four new caps, yet his locally-sourced squad still had enough firepower to edge a Japan side they’d lost to just a month earlier in the Pacific Nations Cup final.
“If that’s the calibre of player that we can put together from the island, there’s no reason why they can’t be a force at the World Cup,” White added.
The match, played to commemorate the Japan Rugby Football Union’s centenary, delivered six first-half tries in a breathless opening 40 minutes. Naoto Saito struck first for the hosts before Kitione Salawa and captain Tevita Ikanivere turned the tide. Japan skipper Warner Dearns levelled proceedings, only for Tuidraki Samusamuvodre to restore Fiji’s advantage. Faulua Makisi’s try sent the teams into the sheds deadlocked.
Terio Tamani crossed minutes after the restart to swing momentum Fiji’s way, though Dearns’ second try set up a grandstand finish. Substitute Ben Volavola proved the difference-maker, slotting two late penalties to seal victory.
“The way we played in the last 15 minutes really made me proud,” said White, clearly satisfied with his side’s composure under pressure.
Jones, magnanimous in defeat, backed his old colleague to unearth Fiji’s hidden gems. “The one thing he’ll do is find the best talent in Fiji and bring that forward,” the former Australia and England boss said.
Both nations now head to Europe for November’s Nations Championship fixtures, with Fiji facing a brutal triple-header against France, Ireland and Italy. White will have his European-based stars available, and if Saturday’s performance is any indication, the northern hemisphere better brace itself.
