A superb tackle from Will Tupou on Waisea Nayacalevu was perhaps the key moment in Japan's enthralling 34-21 win over Fiji on Saturday.

Following a stellar first half at Kamaishi Recovery Memorial Stadium that saw the hosts take a 29-14 lead, the Fijians came firing out of the blocks at the start of the second stanza.

Some missed tackles straight from the kickoff saw Nayacalevu reach the line and it looked like he had surely scored his side's third try.

But a diving Tupou managed to dislodge the ball and prevent the Flying Fijians from gaining momentum that could have turned the game in their favor.

That kind of tackle was repeated a number of times by Japan players as they looked to attack the ball and dislodge it before the Fijians could make use of it.

"Will's tackle was a reflection of where we have grown in defense," said Japan head coach Jamie Joseph. "We made a number of tackles that forced mistakes."

"We are not as big as other teams so we need to offer something different in defense and we rushed their skills."

Tupou, for his part, said, "the main focus of the team this week was to try and connect together and defend as a team" and prevent the Fijians from offloading.

"We tried our best to stop the offload because we know if we let them offload we are going to be defending and be behind the posts and then kicking off again."

Tupou alternated at times with wing Kotaro Matsushima at fullback and the 28-year-old said he thought the combination worked well.

Tupou said because he usually defends at center for his Top League side, there were times when he would move to the midfield with Matsushima replacing him at the back when Japan were defending from a set piece.

"When we see where the ball goes, me and Matsushima decide who stays back and who stays in," he said.

Matsushima said the key to the defensive performance was the pressure they were able to put on the Fijians, though he added the team needed to keep improving.

A point picked up on by Joseph.

"If you are not 100 percent accurate (against Fiji) they make you pay."


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