Japan to face Fiji in Pacific final after romping past Samoa

Tokyo: Japan set up a Pacific Nations Cup final showdown with defending champions Fiji after sweeping aside Samoa with a rampant 49 27 win in Tokyo on...

Tokyo: Japan set up a Pacific Nations Cup final showdown with defending champions Fiji after sweeping aside Samoa with a rampant 49-27 win in Tokyo on Sunday.

Japan scored four tries in the first half and three in the second of the semi-final to give Eddie Jones his third straight win after a tricky start to his second stint as head coach.

Jones will hope to keep the streak going in next weekend's final in Osaka against Fiji, who beat the United States 22-3 in the first semi-final on Saturday.

"It was a good step up for the team," said Jones, whose side beat Canada and the United States to top their group.

"Samoa are obviously a much stronger opposition than USA or Canada. I thought we started the game really well with great intent, particularly playing against a strong wind."