Japan have taken a big step forward in their Rugby World Cup preparation with a 34-21 win over Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Kenki Fukuoka, Kotaro Matsushima, Timothy Lafaele and Kazuki Himeno scored tries to give Japan a comfortable 29-14 lead at halftime in Kamaishi on Saturday.

Matsushima added another after the break as Japan secured their first win over Fiji since 2011

Sam Matavesi scored two tries for the visitors while Levani Botia added the other.

The September 20 to November 2 Rugby World Cup will feature 20 teams playing across 12 cities stretching from Japan’s northern main island of Hokkaido to Kyushu in the southwest.

It’s the first time the event will be held outside of the traditional rugby strongholds, having started in 1987 with Australia and New Zealand as co-hosts.

The tournament has also been played across Britain and Ireland, France and South Africa.