Eddie Jones reshuffles pack as Japan get ready for PNC Final in Tokyo

TOKYO: Japan coach Eddie Jones has made three changes to the Brave Blossoms starting side that beat the USA Eagles 63-14 in Osaka, including a change of position for a Wallabies great’s son, who will partner another Australian-born lock in the second row.

Jack Cornselsen scored a try as the starting No. 8 in the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026 semi-final win last weekend, but the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights representative has moved to the tight five for the title decider.

Cornelsen will pack down alongside former Australia U20 star Harry Hockings, who has spent multiple seasons in Japan Rugby League One with Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath. Hockings has been retained in the run-on side, while Michael Storberg moves to the bench.

Faulua Makisi impressed off the bench against the Eagles, and has been rewarded with a spot in the starting side.  Makisi will start at No. 8 for the Brave Blossoms, joining flankers Ben Gunter and Kanji Shimokawa in the loose forwards.

Sojiro Otsuka will pack down up front alongside Mamoru Harada and Shuhei Takeuchi, with Kenji Sato among the players looking to provide cover and impact off the bench. Sena Kimura and Takumi Inaba are the other front-row replacements.

Jones has made one change to the backline, with Tomoko Osada named on one wing. Osada is joined in the back three by Inoke Brua and Sam Greene, who scored more than 20 points in the semi-final triumph at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

Yuya Hirose and Dylan Riley will again link up in the centres.

Japan will take on defending champions Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup Final, which will be held at Tokyo’s Chichibunomiy Rugby Stadium on Saturday evening. The USA Eagles and Canada will also meet in the double-header, playing for third-place.

Japan side to take on Fiji in the PNC 2026 Final

1. Sojiro Otsuka

2. Mamoru Harada

3. Shuhei Takeuchi

4. Jack Cornelsen

5. Harry Hockings

6. Ben Gunter

7. Kanji Shimokawa

8. Faulua Makisi

9. Naoto Saito (c)

10. Ryunosuke Ito

11. Tomoki Osada

12. Yuya Hirose

13. Dylan Riley

14. Inoke Burua

15. Sam Greene

Replacements

16. Kenji Sato

17. Sena Kimura

18. Takumi Inaba

19. Michael Stolberg

20. Esei Haangana

21. Tiimagen Costley

22. Shinobu Fujiwara

23. Samisoni Tua