Japan fall to Tonga in PNC opener

YOKOHAMA (May 25) Japan’s IRB Pacific Nations Cup campaign got off to a disappointing start Saturday when they were beaten 27-17 by Tonga at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium.

Three first-half tries saw Tonga lead 22-5 at the break, and although Japan had the better of the second half, they were only able to cross the Tongan line twice in the second stanza.

Fetuu Vainikolo opened the scoring for the visitors in the fifth minute and the Tongan wing added a second seven minutes later after Japan gave up the ball at the breakdown.

Fangatapu Apikotoa added the conversion as Tonga led 12-0.

Takeshi Kizu closed the gap when he powered over following a well-constructed driving maul as Japan made it 50 consecutive test matches in which they have scored a try.

But the Tongans responded with a penalty from Apikotoa and a try by Will Helu, converted by Apikotoa.

Japan needed to get a score early on after the break to ensure Tonga didn’t run away with the game and make sure the crowd stayed interested.

And they responded with a superb effort that started on their own line.

Michael Broadhurst made a great break through the Tongan midfield, Takashi Kikutani provided excellent support and Male Sa’u finished things off, as Japan closed the gap to 12 points at 22-10.

But once again the hosts undid their good work by allowing Tonga to regather the ball at the restart and shortly afterwards allowing Eddie Aholelei to go over in the corner.

The introduction of Kenki Fukuoka saw the Brave Blossoms start to play at a higher pace but the Tongan defensive line held firm until the 65th minute when Hendrik Tui went over after a prolonged period of pressure. Ayumu Goromaru added the extras to make it 27-17.

But that was to be the end of the scoring.