Jake White makes winning start as Fiji coach with victory over Japan

Jake White makes winning start as Fiji coach with victory over Japan

Jake White made a winning start to his tenure as Fiji head coach on Saturday as his side edged Eddie Jones’ Japan 34-28 in Tokyo.

The former Bulls coach, who also guided the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2007 with Jones serving as his technical adviser, watched Fiji overcome a spirited Japanese side in a match featuring six first-half tries.

In a match played in wet conditions, the sides were level at the break before Fiji substitute Ben Volavola proved decisive, kicking two penalties after the interval to secure the victory.

The two sides had met in the Pacific Nations Cup final in Tokyo a month earlier, prior to White's arrival, with Japan winning that clash 20-15.

Fiji will now turn their attention to next month's Nations Championship tour of Europe, where they face France, Ireland and Italy.

Japan will take on Wales, England and Scotland.

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