Canada eye Fiji upset in Pacific Nations Cup

Canada head coach Stephen Meehan believes his side can find opportunities to disrupt defending champions Fiji when the teams meet in Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup semi-final in Osaka.

Canada target Fiji in Pacific Nations Cup semi-final

Canada head into the contest following a 57-12 defeat to Japan in Niigata, where the Brave Blossoms marked the Japan Rugby Football Union’s 100th anniversary with a commanding victory.

Meehan knows the challenge will increase considerably against a Fiji side renowned for its physicality, offloading ability and attacking unpredictability.

However, the Canada coach believes the contrasting styles of Japan and Fiji could provide his team with different opportunities to attack.

“They will be a very different challenge to the one that we faced against Japan. Japan’s very well-organised and diligent and disciplined in the way that they play.

"Fiji have that ability to call on their physical attributes and throw that ball around in all sorts of fashions.”

Stephen Meehan expects unpredictable Flying Fijians

Meehan expects Fiji to field a side containing a significant number of players with Fijian Drua experience in Super Rugby Pacific.

“Many of their top-tiered won’t be around but they’ll have a lot of players who are (Fijian) Drua-based players; a team that plays consistently well in a good competition in Super Rugby,” added Meehan.

Fiji aim to defend Pacific Nations Cup title

Fiji enter the knockout stage as defending Pacific Nations Cup champions after beating Japan 33-27 in the 2025 final in Utah.

The Flying Fijians are attempting to retain the title after a difficult July international campaign in which they went winless across three Nations Championship matches.

Canada, meanwhile, will be looking for a significant response following their heavy defeat to Japan.

The semi-final takes place in Osaka, with the winner progressing to the Pacific Nations Cup final in Tokyo on September 19.