Tonga A first win in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge Featured
19 March 2015
TONGA A recorded its first win in the World Rugby Pacific Challenge as they beat Junior Japan 60-24 yesterday at ANZ Stadium. This was also the first game where the Japanese under-20 side managed to score four tries and gather a bonus point.
Tonga started the onslaught with wing Siale Talakai diving in the corner to score. Tongan blindside flanker Fotu Lokotui and prop Topiese Ahia added two more before Japan pulled one back through flyhalf Ryuji Noguchi.
Flanker Fran Havea scored another for Tonga for the Friendly Islanders to lead 31-7 at halftime.
The second half began in similar fashion as replacement wing Samuele Fiefia scored the opening try of the second spell. Japan spreading the ball on the Tonga 10 metre line saw a gap open for centre Ataata Moerakiora who dummied to beat the defence and score.
Havea followed up with a second try before Japanese lock Tevita Tatafu scored. Prop Leiataua Kiloifi scored a brace and Talaki scored his second to take Tonga to 60 points before replacement Japanese wing Shinsuke Iseki scored the bonus try to end the game 60-24.
Tonga technical adviser Tevita Tuifua said it was the result they were working towards. "Credit to the team for the win, we did have a target to reach. Overall it was a good game for the boys and they did play really well," he said.
Tonga vice-captain Ratu Apakuki Maafu said they would enjoy the win.
"I am happy with the win but there is still room for improvement. For now we would enjoy the win. "Definitely the boys would be reminded to look ahead to the next game."
Japan captain Go Madea said the team was looking for a win but they would work on the areas exploited by the opposition when the two meet again in the final game on Monday.
Source: Fiji Times
