Triumphant Fiji relieved

Fiji captain Mosese Rauluni admitted his side were their “own worst enemies” after struggling to an opening 35-31 victory over plucky Japan in Toulouse on Wednesday.

Gloucester-bound flanker Akapusi Qera spared the Fijiians’ blushes by grabbing two tries as they held off a tremendous effort by Japan to make a winning start to their Pool B campaign.

The lead changed hands six times before Fiji eventually clinched a bonus-point victory – but most of the plaudits went to Japan, who bounced back tremendously from their 91-3 thumping to Australia just four days prior to this game.

“We were disappointed but we got the win,” said Rauluni.

“We were our own worst enemies.

“We knew they would play 100 miles an hour. In the first half we were very rusty. We were throwing balls and they didn’t stick.”

Fiji coach Ilivasi Tabua described his side’s performance as “a good platform to work on”, while man-of-the-match Qera admitted they need to find much improvement before their next match against Canada on Sunday.

“We need to pick up some of our mistakes,” Qera said – no doubt a man of few words.