TOULOUSE (Reuters) ¿ Fiji withstood a determined fightback from Japan to win a thrilling Pool B clash 35-31 yesterday and get their World Cup campaign off to a perfect start.

The Pacific Islanders scored their fourth try tenminutes from fulltime to seal a hard-earned victory and a bonus point after the lead had changed hands six times in the closest game of the tournament. Fijian openside flanker Akapusi Qera scored two tries and centre Seru Rabeni and lock Kele Leawere crossed once each while flyhalf Nicky Little added three penalties and three conversions to become the 13th player to pass 600 points in international rugby. New Zealand-born lock Luke Thompson scored twice and prop Tomokazu Soma once for Japan, who were thrashed 91-3 by Australia at the weekend, and they earned the consolation of a bonus point for losing by less than seven points.