If you took a cursory look at the numbers behind the Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2024 then you might conclude that Fiji cantered to their sixth title.

The Flying Fijians scored 155 points in their four matches, while conceding only 55. Their narrowest margin of victory was the 22-3 defeat of USA in the semi-finals, which was also the only game in which they didn’t score at least five tries.

But glance behind those extraordinary statistics and it becomes clear that Fiji were tested as they surged to their first Pacific Nations Cup crown since 2018 in their first tournament under new coach Mick Byrne.

Fiji had started life under Byrne with a defeat to the Barbarians in June and following an encouraging win over Georgia the following month, suffered a confidence-sapping 47-5 defeat to New Zealand.

The former All Blacks skills coach and Australia assistant coach admitted his side had endured a “tough night” in San Diego.

Shorn of some of their most experienced players for the Pacific Nations Cup, there could have been concern that the hangover from that result would last into the reimagined cross-regional competition.

However, there was no panic in the home changing room at HFC Bank Stadium as Samoa headed into half-time 16-15 in front on opening night.

Instead, the hosts set to work and scored four second-half tries, Kitione Salawa twice crossing the whitewash to complete a hat-trick, while shutting down the Samoan attack to claim a 42-16 win.

That opening match set the tone for Fiji, who were pegged back to 19-19 following a blistering start to their second Pool A match against Tonga and then conceded the first points of their semi-final against the Men’s Eagles.

On both occasions, Fiji’s young stars – led by a new captain in Tevita Ikanivere – responded to the challenge and got the job done.

In the process, confidence flooded into the team as new players, such as Isoa Nasilasila, Elia Canakaivata and Vuate Karawalevu came to the fore.

Last Saturday, Fiji faced another test as Japan centre Dylan Riley lit the final’s fuse with a stunning solo try at Hanazono Rugby Stadium.

Riley’s brilliant intervention gave the Brave Blossoms a 10-3 lead but Fiji were level by the break and a four-try blitz in 16 second-half minutes took the match away from the hosts.

“We just knew the first 20 minutes was going to be a real battle and the speed the Japanese side play with was going to be a challenge,” Byrne admitted afterwards.

“We just had to stay in there early and I thought we worked really hard, set ourselves up for the second half by maintaining real good pressure in that first half.”

One piece of momentum-stealing magic came with the Flying Fijians 20-10 in front. Defending deep inside their own half, fly-half Caleb Muntz produced a booming 50/22 that put his team on the front foot; moments later they had their third try.

“That was just great from him, taking the moment and shifting it,” Ikanivere said. “Japan just couldn’t come back from that.”

On the importance of winning their sixth title, the Fiji captain added: “I think it’s a big growth [for our] young team.

“I was surprised I was named skipper but thank the coaches for believing in me and thank the boys for listening. The bond in this group is just great and we’ll look on building on this on the November tour and towards the next World Cup.”

Fiji’s exploits at the Pacific Nations Cup have lifted them to ninth in the World Rugby Men’s Rankings, above both Wales and Australia.

If the past five weeks have proven anything, it’s that these resilient Fijians have a big future. If they can turn that promise into consistent 80-minute performances, the world better watch out.