Fiji lead Japan at break

Fiji 16, Japan 13 HT

Fiji struggled to a slender half-time advantage in their World Cup Pool B clash with Japan in Townsville.

Looking to beat Japan and set up a potentially vital clash with Scotland in their final group match, Fiji scored two typically flowing tries but were often driven back by the Japanese pack.

Recalled fly-half Waisale Serevi opened the scoring after just two minutes with a penalty, but Andy Miller levelled the scores 10 minutes later as Fiji conceded a penalty under serious pressure from the Japanese scrum.

Serevi’s comeback did not last long however, the veteran replaced by Nicky Little who put Fiji back in front with another penalty on 15 minutes.

Japan were giving as good as they got however and Miller again drew them level with a stunning drop goal from just inside his own half.

The Fijians then looked to be pulling away into a comfortable lead when Norman Ligairi started and finished a flowing move for the first try and Aisea Tuilevu took advantage of some woeful tackling to also cross the line.

But with Little missing both conversions the gap was only 10 points and Japan were soon back in contention, Miller left completely unmarked to stroll in for a try after good work by his impressive forwards.

Miller converted to make the score 16-13 after 30 minutes but then missed two chances to level, the final one from inside his own half as the interval approached.