The rain held off in Tokyo after all and the fans were treated to some tremendously exciting rugby from all four teams on show. Here’s a review of Sunday’s action.

FIJI 34 vs 21 TONGA
Sunday, June 23, 03:10 GMT, Tokyo

A very exciting first half saw Tonga run out with 11 quick points, but Fiji responded with two trademark long range tries to take the lead. Just before the break Tomasi Palu kicked his third penalty goal to level the scores, and with one half to go the championship was still up for grabs.

With the grounds and weather in prime condition for running rugby, the second half was virtually all Fiji as they started to run riot around would-be tacklers. Two more excellent tries to go with Seremaia Bai’s outstanding goal kicking did the job and guaranteed the trophy was headed back to Suva. Tonga managed to get a late consolation try but will rue the lack of a quality goal kicker as Palu missed three relatively straightforward kicks at goal.

It was just reward for Fiji, who looked comfortably the best side in the tournament when their overseas players were made available. The pace and power of their outside backs were truly overwhelming, and most surprisingly their scrum has improved out of sight. Tonga finishes third but can hold their heads high. Apart from a twenty minute spell against Canada they played positive and ambitious rugby, and competed well despite the absence of their top professionals. Both sides look in good shape for the November internationals, but for rugby’s sake let’s hope they have all hands on deck.

SCORING
Fiji – S. Bai 4c 2p, N. Nalaga 2t, S. Bobo 1t, N. Nadolo 1t
Tonga – T. Palu 3p, S. Fahiua 1c, F. Anderson 1t, N. Latu 1t

FIJI
N. Matawalu; N. Nalaga, N. Nadolo (A. Natoga 69), S. Radidi (S. Koroilagilagi 73), S. Bobo (A. Delai 73); S. Bai, N. Kenatale; C. Ma’afu (J. Yanuyanutawa HT), V. Veikoso (T. Tuapati 57), S. Somoca (M. Saulo 57); A. Ratuniyarawa, W. Lewaravu; A. Naikatini (R. Nasiga 66), A. Qera (capt.), N. Talei (M. Ravulo 56).

TONGA
V. Iongi (S. Fahiua 77); V. Helu (R. Havili 17), A. Taufa, S. Piukala, F. Anderson; T. Moa, T. Palu; P. Fakalelu (K. Sakalia HT), E. Taione (I. Ma’asi 50), T. Vea (S. Puafisi 50); J. Afu (D. Faleafa HT), L. Lokotui (S. Masima 79); E. Kauhenga (V. Fihaki 64), N. Latu (capt.), H. T-Pole.

JAPAN 38 vs 20 UNITED STATES
Sunday, June 23, 05:10 GMT, Tokyo

The US Eagles started well, and finished reasonably well, but for a good half hour stretch they simply weren’t in the game. Their scrum wilted under the pressure of the impressive Japanese pack, and the sustained pace of the attack was too much. They can take heart from scoring three good tries and playing some good rugby at times, but they’ll need to find another gear if they hope to challenge Canada in the World Cup qualifiers in August.

The Japanese were good value for their victory. After a poor start to the tournament they have improved with every game and have now won three in a row. Even without locks of true international size their forwards are more than competitive, and they are starting to bring through some exciting young backs. It’s been a good month for the Cherry Blossoms and they have earned their imminent vacation.

SCORING
Japan – A. Goromaru 4c, Y. Fujita 1t, M. Sa’u 1t, H. Tui 1t, T. Hirose 1t, F. Tanaka 1t, Pen try
United States – C. Wyles 1c 1p 1t, E. Fry 1t, L. Hume 1t

CARDS
United States – E. Fry yellow

JAPAN
A. Goromaru; T. Hirose (capt.), M. Sa’u, C. Wing (Y. Tamura 26), Y. Fujita (Y. Imamura 78); H. Tatekawa, F. Tanaka (A. Hiwasa 72); M. Mikami (Y. Nagae 72), S. Horie (T. Kizu 78), H. Yamashita (K. Hatakeyama 36); H. Ono (S. Makabe 53), S. Ito (J. Ives 60); H. Tui, M. Broadhurst, T. Kikutani.

UNITED STATES
C. Wyles; L. Hume, A. Siddall, A. Suniula (S. Kelly 71), J. Paterson (B. Scully HT); T. L’Estrange, M. Petri (R. Shaw 71); S. Pittman (N. Wallace 78), C. Biller (Z. Fenoglio 65), E. Fry (P. Thiel 73); B. Doyle, L. Stanfill (L. Murphy 75); S. LaValla, P. Dahl (C. Dolan 39 {N. Wallace 50-60}), T. Clever (capt.).