Japan defeated the USA 34-20 Saturday in Suva, Fiji to secure the Pacific Nations Cup.

With the loss, and Fiji's 10-3 win over Samoa, the Eagles dropped to 3rd in the tournament, with Fiji taking 2nd.

Both the USA and Japan went into round three unbeaten with the Eagles dreaming of a first-ever Pacific Nations Cup crown, but the Rugby World Cup 2019 hosts led from the fourth minute. Captain Michael Leitch emerged with the ball following a lineout drive and after Yu Tamura added the conversion, the flyhalf stretched Japan’s advantage with a penalty.

That lead would be extended to 17 points with less than 15 minutes gone as some quick hands put Kotaro Matsushima into space on the right wing and he drew a defender before popping a pass to Kenki Fukuoka to canter over.

The USA rebounded. Flyhalf AJ MacGinty created space for Maddison Hughes scamper through and score. But MacGinty picked up an injury on the play, forcing him to take a seat in favor of Will Hooley. Hooley converted the Hughes try and h and Tamura both hit penalties to make it 20-10 at halftime.

Reaction: Japan's captain Michael Leitch gives us his thoughts after his side beat USA to win the World Rugby Pacific Nations Cup for the third time #PNC2019 pic.twitter.com/CBPLvWOdX2

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Hoping to build some momentum, the USA instead fell further behind as Tamura produced a brilliant set up for Ryohei Yamanaka, who scored.

Yamanaka was also heavily involved in his side’s fourth try, taking an offload from Fukuoka before taking play deep into the Eagles’ 22 where a Shota Horie offload allowed Leitch to score his second try.

Fukuoka was then denied a brilliant solo try by a foot in touch.

Down 34-13, the Eagles once again showed some fight. Hanco Germishuys burrowed over from close range with less than 10 minutes left.

“They played really well and they punished us for every mistake that we made," said USA captain Blaine Scully."As much as we’re disappointed by the result, this is very much about the process.”

Japan 34
Tries: Leitch 2, Fukuoka, Yamanaka
Convs: Tamura 4
Pens: Tamura 2

USA 20
Tries:Hughes, Germishuys
Convs: Hooley 2
Pens: Hooley 2

The real issue is what is MacGinty's status. The USA needs him.

FIJI 10-3 SAMOA

Vereniki Goneva became Fiji’s record try-scorer as he touched down during his side’s Pacific Nations Cup win against Samoa at ANZ Stadium.

Goneva, who will join English Premiership club Harlequins after Rugby World Cup 2019, picked a brilliant support line to dot down his 21st test try shortly after half-time, following a flowing team move. It proved to be the decisive score as Fiji held on to beat their Pacific Island neighbors despite ceding territory and possession throughout a bruising 80 minutes.

Samoa played most of the match on the front foot in Suva, but were unable to translate their ascendancy into points as flyhalf UJ Seuteni missed two penalty attempts in the opening 23 minutes. 

“We won a very physical arm wrestle today. it was a tough battle for us,” Fiji coach John McKee said. “Credit to Samoa, they put us under a lot of pressure and made us make errors.”

“I was pretty happy," added Samoa coach Steve Jackson. "Did we deserve to lose? I’m not too sure. I was pretty happy, the scoreline doesn’t reflect how our team went.”

Tonga defeated Canada 33-23 to improve to 1-2. Canada ends the PNC in last place at 0-3.

Full Standings and Scores

—World Rugby contributed to this report