Six-try All Blacks hammer Springboks

As expected, the All Blacks were convincing winners in Wellington on Saturday, running six tries past the Springboks in a 40-7 Tri-Nations victory.

No surprises then.  Few pundits gave the make-shift South African side much of a chance and they were comprehensively beaten.

Wingers Cory Jane and Zac Guildford both scored twice as the New Zealand led from start to finish, dominating every aspect of play to retain the Freedom Cup.

Over 20 missed tackled from the visitors didn't help their cause much, neither did their erratic line-out, usually their strongest weapon.  The South African's only reply came through a try from skipper John Smit.

Just how much can be read into this result is debatable but what is clear is that no more that two or three of these Boks can expect to make the first-choice side.

By contrast, they'll be no complaints from the Kiwi fans about their side's performance as the men in Black (with a new white collar) put on a master-class of clinical finishing to lead 18-7 at half-time before keeping a clean sheet in the second period.

With the game won, Graham Henry could even afford the luxury giving fly-half understudy Colin Slade some game time alongside maestro Dan Carter.

Carter's score-opening penalty in the third minute took him back to the top of Test rugby's all-time points-scorers list, moving ahead of Jonny Wilkinson.

Things didn't start well for South Africa as Morne Steyn missed his first attempt at goal soon afterwards -- his first miss in 39 Tri-Nations kicks.  It was omen for a very long night facing the tourists.

It wasn't long before the All Blacks took the game by the scruff of the neck as two tries in quick succession put the visitors behind the eight ball.  The result never realistically looked in doubt from then on.

With numbers on the outside and the Bok defence disorganised, Wyatt Crockett's first Test try wasn't difficult to score as he crossed in the corner after twelve minutes.

Just three minutes later the hosts struck again as they broke out from their own 22.  Guildford's pace finished it off -- it was also his first international try -- but all the credit must go to Carter, who got his side going forward with a clever chip and then split the Bok defence a phase later with a jink and a dummy.

South Africa hadn't looked like scoring in the first half-hour so it was brave call from Smit to opt for a line-out rather than take the points from rare a penalty.  The gamble paid off though as Smit himself received the ball as he wrapped around the line-out to barge over under the sticks.

That brief glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished however as two long passes set up a mismatch between Jane and Smit.  The Hurricane flyer easily stepped past the hooker before turning on the afterburners to give New Zealand an 11-point lead at the break.

It was much the same story in the second half.  Juan de Jongh did well to hold up Ma'a Nonu but from the ensuing scrum the hosts had another overlap out wide and Jane cruised in for his second try.

The home back line could do no wrong as Mils Muliaina stepped one way and popped a pass the other to Guilford, who could score untouched.

Guilford also had a hand in the final nail in the coffin as his inside pass found Slade, who cruised home.

Having each bagged a bonus point, next week's clash between New Zealand and Australia should be a thriller.

Man of the match:  Tough to pick out a single figure is such one-sided display but a mention must go to the entire All Black pack, who went forward at every scrum.  Jane and Guildford advanced their arguments for a berth in the World Cup 30 but we'll go for Dan Carter.  Despite missing a few conversion in difficult kicking conditions, The world-record holder made all the right decisions and played a significant role in two tries.

Moment of the match:  Not only was Guildford's first try was a gem, but it gave the hosts a 13-point lead.  The Boks were never going to back from there.

Villain of the match:  No nasty stuff to report.

The scorers:

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Crockett, Guildford 2, Jane 2, Slade
Cons:  Carter 2
Pens:  Carter 2

For South Africa:
Try:  Smit
Con:  Steyn

New Zealand:  15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (C), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Samuel Whitelock, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements:16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Jarrad Hoeata, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.

South Africa:  15 Morne Steyn, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Juan de Jongh, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Pat Lambie, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Danie Rossouw, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Gerhard Mostert, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements:  16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Ashley Johnson, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Wynand Olivier, 22 Odwa Ndungane.

Venue:  Westpac Stadium, Wellington
Referee:Alain Rolland (Ireland)
Assistant referees:  Stuart Dickinson (Australia), James Leckie (Australia)
Television match officials:Garratt Williamson (New Zealand)
Assessor:  Tappe Henning

Boks butchered in Sydney

Australia opened their 2011 Tri-Nations account with a comprehensive 39-20 victory over South Africa in Sydney on Saturday.

The clinical Wallabies completely destroyed the bumbling Boks with a five-tries-to-two victory that will leave the world champions plenty to ponder ahead of next week's clash with New Zealand.

Wet weather was the forecast but the weatherman got it wrong, which meant an expected tight forward tussle was cancelled out by open rugby that quite literally played into the Wallabies hands as the hosts ran the Springboks ragged.

South Africa struggled to match their opponents on attack -- they looked flat and devoid of ideas when in possession, and just lacked the same skill-set as the Wallabies with their ball-in-hand approach.

The woeful Springboks didn't fare any better on defence either as Australia penetrated the visitors' green and gold brick wall with ease in dry conditions that the South Africans simply failed to adapt to.

On the other end of the scale, the Wallabies were in a class of their own -- showcasing some brilliant running rugby that left the home crowd begging for more.  Everything they touched turned to gold, and if there was any way to respond to last week's shock loss to Samoa -- this was certainly it.

The writing was on the wall for South Africa straight from the kick-off at ANZ Stadium, where Australia wasted little time showing their intentions with ball in hand.  And after five minutes, one sensed it was going to be a long day at the office for the Springboks.

This was confirmed after the Wallabies struck with two quick-fire tries to Ben Alexander and Digby Ioane in the space of two minutes that left John Smit's troops rattled and forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the match.

It was Reds magician Quade Cooper -- fully recovered from Friday's fight with 'flu -- who launched the Wallabies' attack for their first score from inside his own 22, stepping inside a host of tacklers to break clear.

Australia's pivot found Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor in support on the right, before the ball was worked to the other end of the pitch where captain Rocky Elsom offloaded to Alexander on his outside for the opening try.

O'Connor, who had a near-flawless night with the boot, added the extras from out wide.

Immediately from the restart, the Boks were at sixes and sevens after scrum-half Will Genia burst clear before releasing Ioane who staved off a poor tackle from Gio Aplon to cross for an unconverted try.

South Africa fly-half Morne Steyn reduced the deficit with a 30th-minute penalty but O'Connor restored the 12-point advantage with a penalty of his own.

Australia's impressive handling was proving too much for the visitors to handle, and only a spilled pass by lock James Horwill prevented another try for Robbie Deans' side.

After the half-time hooter has sounded, Steyn added another penalty to leave the Springboks trailing 15-6 at the break.

With plenty of work to do in the second half, South Africa were back in a huddle under the posts as O'Connor converted his own try set up by Cooper three minutes after the resumption.

South Africa's midfielders Wynand Olivier and Juan de Jongh held off Cooper allowing the unpredictable Wallaby playmaker to spear through a gap and send out a low pass that O'Connor stooped to gather and score.

The game was then effectively killed off as a contest as Australia wrapped up their four-try bonus point after hooker Stephen Moore crossed over besides the posts.  The grounding was confirmed by the TMO and converted by O'Connor to make it 29-6.

O'Connor added his second penalty shortly before more skilful offloading from Cooper created the fifth try as his flip pass sent centre Adam Ashley-Cooper into space, with Steyn missing a tackle to let the centre flop over the line.

O'Connor was once again on target with the extras.

The visitors briefly rallied with replacement hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle being bundled over from an effective maul, and then captain Smit burrowed over in the final minute for another consolation score.  Both tries were converted by replacement back Patrick Lambie.

The result means Australia keep the Mandela Plate they won last year with their fourth win in five Tests against the Springboks.

Man of the match:  To single out just one individual following this dazzling performance by the Wallabies isjust too hard.  So we're opting for a team award instead.

Moment of the match:  Phew, out of the five Wallabies' tries ... take your pick!

Villain of the match:  No punch-ups or any cards to speak of.  But maybe another team award should go to South Africa, who were their own worst enemy on attack and defence.

The scorers:

For Australia:
Tries:  Alexander, Ioane, O'Connor, Moore, Ashley-Cooper
Cons:  O'Connor 4
Pens:  O'Connor 2

For South Africa:
Tries:  Ralepelle, Smit
Cons:  Lambie 2
Pens:  Steyn 2

Australia:  15 Kurtley Beale, 14 James O'Connor, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Quade Cooper, 9 Will Genia, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 David Pocock, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 James Horwill, 4 Rob Simmons, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements:  16 Saia Fainga'a, 17 Pekahou Cowan, 18 Nathan Sharpe, 19 Matt Hodgson, 20 Scott Higginbotham, 21 Nick Phipps, 22 Anthony Fainga'a.

South Africa:  15 Gio Aplon, 14 Bjorn Basson, 13 Juan de Jongh, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Lwazi Mvovo, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Ashley Johnson, 7 Danie Rossouw, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Alistair Hargreaves, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Dean Greyling
Replacements:  16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 CJ van der Linde, 18 Ryan Kankowski, 19 Jean Deysel, 20 Charl McLeod, 21 Adrian Jacobs, 22 Patrick Lambie.

Referee:  Chris Pollock (New Zealand)

All Blacks cruise past Fiji

New Zealand got their Test season off to a winning start on Friday with a comfortable 60-14 win over Fiji at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

As expected, the world's top-ranked team outclassed their visitors in almost every aspect, running in seven tries to two.

Despite the final scoreline, the Tri-Nations champions will not be overly happy with their performance as it sometimes lacked the accuracy that will be needed against the Springboks and Wallabies over the coming weeks.

Credit however must be given to Fiji, who claimed their best ever result against New Zealand, scoring both their tries in the second half.

A 'work in progress' would probably be the fairest assessment of the All Blacks after Friday as Graham Henry and co.  implement their new offensive structure.

After a somewhat rusty start from the All Blacks -- and some solid defending by the visitors -- New Zealand held an 18-0 lead after the opening half-hour.

The hosts gathered some momentum before the sides swapped ends though and took a 32-0 lead into the half-time break.

Deprived of any decent possession, Fiji never seriously threatened the try-line in the first half but matched the home side for half-an-hour after the break.

Colin Slade got the scoreboard ticking as the hosts took a cautious approach and opted for points from an early penalty.

Fijian-born Sitiveni Sivivatu was the first to cross the whitewash for New Zealand, finishing off in the corner just inside the ten-minute mark.

Slade showed great vision in scoring New Zealand's second try with a clever chip over the top which he chased down to score under the sticks after the ball ricocheted off the goal-post's padding.

The men in black continued to dominate possession and grabbed try number three when the ball was quickly spread wide to Andrew Hore, who had an easy run-in on the overlap.

Adam Thomson extended his try-scoring streak from Super Rugby as he burrowed his way over just before the break to give the hosts a 32-point head start going into the second forty.

Fiji made a much stronger start to the second half, enjoying an extended period of possession in the All Blacks' territory and were rewarded with a try when number eight Sakiusa Matadigo showed great pace in tearing down the touchline before offloading to scrum-half Nemia Serelevu who scampered over.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry was quick to call on his bench as he sent on Ben Smith, Sam Whitelock and Piri Weepu for Sivivatu, Jarrad Hoeata and Jimmy Cowan respectively.  The scrum-half would soon have an impact as his grubber set up Hurricanes team-mate Conrad Smith on the hour-mark.

Slade's conversion was his last contribution of the match as he was soon replaced by Dan Carter, who was accompanied by the remainder of the Kiwi bench.

The hosts' sixth try came largely thanks to the replacements as Weepu's chip over the top created space for Mils Muliaina and Ben Smith, who offloaded to the supporting Weepu.

Fiji replied via a try from replacement Vereniki Goneva, who showed great skills to chip ahead and then volley again before touching down.

The visitors' scrum suffered for most of the match and conceded a penalty try in the closing stages.  Muliaina added try number eight at the death with a break-away score after collecting a long, floating inside pass from Zac Guildford.

Man of the match:  A mention for skipper Richie McCaw but we'll go with Colin Slade who responded to huge pressure with a cool-headed performance.

The scorers:

For New Zealand:
Tries:  Sivivatu, Slade, Hore, Thomson, C. Smith, Weepu, Penalty try, Muliaina
Cons:  Slade 4, Carter 3
Pens:  Slade 2

For Fiji:
Tries:  Serelevu, Goneva
Cons:  Bai 2

New Zealand:  15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Zac Guildford, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Colin Slade, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Liam Messam, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Jarrad Hoeata, 3 Ben Franks, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements:  16 Corey Flynn, 17 John Afoa, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Jerome Kaino, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Dan Carter, 22 Ben Smith.

Fiji:  15 Iliesa Keresoni, 14 Timoci Nagusa, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Ravai Fatiaki, 11 Napolioni Nalaga, 10 Seremaia Baikeinuku, 9 Nemia Serelevu, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Akapusi Qera, 6 Dominiko Waqaniburotu, 5 Rupeni Nasiga, 4 Sekonaia Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu (c), 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements:  16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Setefano Somoca, 18 Josefa Domolailai, 19 Malakai Ravulo, 20 Vitori Buatava, 21 Taniela Rawaqa, 22 Vereniki Goneva.

Referee:  Stuart Dickinson (Australia)

Samoa knock stuffing out of Wallabies

Samoa sent a warning shot to their World Cup Pool rivals with a gutsy performance doing for the Wallabies 32-23 at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.

World rugby's second-ranked team were well beaten by the islanders just a week away from their Tri-Nations opener against South Africa.

The impressive Samoans outscored the two-time world champions four tries to two for their first win over Australia in five meetings.

Alesana Tuilagi, Paul Williams, Kane Thompson and George Pisi crossed for the visitors, with fly-half Tusi Pisi adding 12 points with the boot.

The Wallabies scored a try in each half through Digby Ioane and Matt Giteau, but were always struggling after the visitors had raced 17-0 ahead.

Samoa had never before beaten a top-five ranked country -- although they have beaten Wales three times, most notably at the 1991 World Cup.

The scorers:

For Australia:
Tries:  Ioane, Giteau
Con:  Giteau 2
Pen:  Giteau 3

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tuilagi, Williams, Thompson, G Pisi
Con:  T Pisi 3
Pen:  T Pisi 2

Australia:  15 Mark Gerrard, 14 Rod Davies, 13 Adam Ashley-Cooper, 12 Pat McCabe, 11 Digby Ioane, 10 Matt Giteau, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Rocky Elsom (c), 5 Nathan Sharpe, 4 Sitaleki Timani, 3 Ben Alexander, 2 Stephen Moore, 1 Sekope Kepu.
Replacements:  16 James Hanson, 17 Pek Cowan, 18 Dan Vickerman, 19 Scott Higginbotham, 20 Beau Robinson, 21 Will Genia, 22 Kurtley Beale.

Samoa:  15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 6 Taisina Tuifu'a, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements:  16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Filipo Lavea Levi, 19 Manaia Salavea, 20 Brenton Helleur, 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 22 James So'oialo.

Referee:  Marius Jonker (South Africa)
Assistant referees:  Keith Brown (New Zealand), Vinny Munro (New Zealand)

Fiji stun Samoa in Suva

Fiji responded to their loss to Tonga by throwing the IRB Pacific Nations Cup wide open on Saturday, beating Samoa 36-18 in Suva.

The talking point in Suva was the turnaround by the Fijians.  With pressure on boss Sam Domoni, his side stepped up from the first whistle.

Both teams mixed it up in the middle but it was against the run of play that former Fiji sevens skipper Vereniki Goneva intercepted the ball from deep inside his 22 to sprint away for the opening try.  Nicky Little's conversion made it 7-0.

However, two penalties by Tasesa Lavea and James So'oialo got the Samoans back into the match but Little added another penalty after Samoa infringed at scrum time to make it 10-6.

However, from a nothing kick Samoan wing Sailosi Tagicakibau gathered and broke away to score a try for his side and the visitors took a 11-10 lead.

Unforced errors were the downfall for both sides and there was further blow for Samoa as they lost Filipo Levi to the sin bin for stamping on a Fijian player.

This gave Fiji an added edge and the side managed to get a try just before half time through Campese Ma'afu after several phases of play.  Little converted to make it 17-11 at half-time.

After the restart, Fiji cranked up another gear and outplayed Samoa in all facets, Goneva setting up inside centre Ravai Fatiaki for his first ever international try.

Little missed the conversion but Fiji led 22-11.  Samoa threw on the replacements but to no avail as indecisive play was their main enemy.

The little chance Samoa had to come back was shattered when Fiji full back Taniela Rawaqa intercepted deep in his 22 to sprint away under the posts and replacement fly half Waisea Luveniyali added the extras to make it 29-11.

Samoa did score through Timoteo Iosa but Fijian lock and former Otago player Sekonaia Kalou pounced on a loose ball and beat the cover defenders for the final try, which was converted by Luveniyali for the final 36-18 score.

''We had an action plan that we had to follow through the week after the Tonga game to rectify all our mistakes,'' said Fiji coach Sam Domoni.

The scorers:

For Fiji:
Tries:  Goneva, Ma'afu, Fatiaki, Rawaqa, Kalou
Con:  Little 2, Luveniyali 2
Pen:  Little

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tagicakibau, Iosa
Con:  Lavea
Pens:  Lavea, So'oialo

Fiji:  15 Taniela Rawaqa, 14 Ilikena Bolakoro, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Ravai Fatiaki, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Nemia Serelevu, 8 Sakiusa Matadigo, 7 Malakai Ravulo, 6 Rupeni Nasiga, 5 Leone Nakarawa, 4 Sekonaia Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu (c), 2 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 1 Campese Ma'afu.
Replacements:  16 Viliame Veikoso, 17 Penijamini Makutu, 18 Josefa Domolailai, 19 Malakai Volau, 20 Vitori Buatava, 21 Waisea Luveniyali, 22 Adriu Delai.

Samoa:  15 James So'oialo, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua (c), 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Lualua Vailoaloa, 8 Taiasina Tuifua, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Joe Tekori, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements:  16 Ole Avei, 17 Logovii Mulipola, 18 Filipo Levi, 19 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Tasesa Lavea, 22 Timoteo Iosua.

Japan hit back against Tonga

Japan responded to their opening defeat to Samoa by edging Tonga 28-27 in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Japan crossed for three tries in 17 minutes either side of the break to seal a come-from-behind win.

Kurt Morath had put Tonga 17-7 up before the half-hour after recording a converted try, a penalty and two points from Viliame Ma'afu's effort.

But then Japan got into their stride thanks to tries from wing Kosuke Endo, Takashi Kikutani and Koji Taira going over and James Arlidge kicking the conversions, opening up an eleven-point lead.

Tonga then launched a comeback charge of their own but despite a try from replacement Hudson Tongauiha, they fell short of the mark.

The scorers:

For Japan:
Tries:  Holani, Endo, Kikutani, Taira
Con:  Arlidge 4

For Tonga:
Tries:  Ma'afu, Morath, Tongauiha
Con:  Morath 3
Pen:  Morath 2

Japan:  15 Sean Webb, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Koji Taira, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Hirotoki Onozaw, 10 James Arlidge, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Koliniasi Ryu Holani, 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Takashi Kikutani (c), 5 Luke Thompson, 4 Justin Ives, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements:  16 Shota Horie, 17 Naoki Kawamata, 18 Histoshi Ono, 19 Itaru Taniguchi, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Go Aruga, 22 Takehisa Usuzuki.

Tonga:  15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Viliami Helu, 13 Alaska Taufa, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Viliame Longi, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Viliami Ma'afu (c), 6 Lisiate Faaoso, 5 Joe Tuneau, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Semisi Telefoni, 2 Ifalemi Taukafa, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements:  16 Ilaisa Ma'asi, 17 Maleko Latu, 18 Tukulua Lokotui, 19 Sione Vaiomounga, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Hudson Tonga'uiha, 22 Mateo Malupo.

Samoa win in Tokyo

Alesana Tuilagi scored two tries as Samoa beat Japan 34-15 in their Pacific Nations Cup opener at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on Saturday

Tuilagi scored his first try in the third minute and gave Samoa a commanding 15-0 lead midway through the first half with his second after some poor one-on-one tackling from the hosts.

Full-back James So'oialo's conversion widened the lead to 17-0 lead.  Japan weren't helped by some poor goal-kicking as they missed two early penalties and it wasn't until the 20th minute that they finally got on the scoreboard with a try by Koliniasi Ryu Holani who crashed over from five metres out.

Manaia Salavea ran in Samoa's third try in the 34th minute and So'oialo's third conversion gave the visitors a solid 24-8 lead at half time.

A far better performance in the second half saw Japan close to 24-15 thanks to a good try by Takehisa Usuzuki as the Japanese backs finally stretched the Samoan defence to give the crowd of 9,700 something to cheer about.

With Japan camped on the Samoan line for an extended period it seemed Kirwan's team were about to get within a score of the Samoans.  But they were unable to turn all that pressure into points, with at least three tries missed when the final pass failed to go to hand.

George Pisi scored rubbed salt into the wound by scoring against the run of play in the 59th minute as Samoa ensured there was no way back for Japan.

All but Saturday's match in this year's tournament were moved from Japan to Fiji because of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Earlier on Saturday, Tonga upset Fiji 45-21 in the opening match in Lautoka.

The scorers:

For Japan:
Tries:  Ryu Holani, Usuzuki
Con:  Webb
Pen:  Webb

For Samoa:
Tries:  Tuilagi 2, Salavea, Pisi
Cons:  So'oialo 4
Pens:  So'oialo 2

Japan:  15 Goshi Tachikawa, 14 Kosuke Endo, 13 Yuta Imamura, 12 Ryan Nicholas, 11 Takehisa Usuzuki, 10 Shaun Webb, 9 Fumiaki Tanaka, 8 Koliniasi Ryu Holani, 7 Michael Leitch, 6 Takashi Kikutani (c), 5 Luke Thompson, 4 Toshizumi Kitagawa, 3 Kensuke Hatakeyama, 2 Yusuke Aoki, 1 Hisateru Hirashima.
Replacements:  16 Takeshi Kizu, 17 Naoki Kawamata, 18 Justin Ives, 19 Itaru Taniguchi, 20 Atsushi Hiwasa, 21 Murray Williams and 22 Hirotoki Onozawa.

Samoa:  15 James So'oialo, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua (c), 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Lualua Vailoaloa, 8 George Stowers, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ezra Taylor, 5 Daniel Leo, 4 Joe Tekori, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements:  16 Ole Avei, 17 Logovii Mulipola, 18 Filipo Levi, 19 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Tasesa Lavea and 22 Timoteo Iosua.

Head Coach:  Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua.

Tonga down Fiji in Nations Cup opener

Tonga pulled off a shock 45-21 victory over hosts Fijii in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup in Lautoka.

The visitors' hero was their fly-half Kurt Morath, who contributed 20 points, via four penalties and four conversions.

The Fijians, who started the tournament as favourites, opened the scoring through a penalty in the third minute by veteran fly-half Nicky Little.

But Tonga struck back soon after, with a try by lock Samiu Vahafolau, which Morath converted.

Little succeeded with another penalty, and at 7-6, the Fijians were still in with a shout.

However, after that, Tonga took control of proceedings.  Morath slotted three more penalties and he also converted a try by Alaska Taufa.

Fiji's only other points came through another penalty by Little, and at half-time Tonga held a commanding 23-9 lead.

Three minutes into the second half, Tonga extended their lead with a penalty try before Morath kicked another penalty, and with the score at 33-9 it looked like they had the match in the bag.

However, Fiji fought back with tries by Sekonai Kalou and Malukai Ravulo, to narrow the gap to 33-21.

Ravulo's try came when Tonga had 14 players on the field after their prop Alisona Taumalolo was yellow carded.

Taumalolo made up for that indiscretion with a try when he returned to the field, and Tonga sealed their win with another touchdown by Viliame Iongi.

Tonga's next match is against Japan and Fiji face Samoa in the second round of the competition next weekend.

The scorers:

For Tonga:
Tries:  Vahafolau, Taufa, Iongi, Taumalolo, Penalty
Con:  Morath 4
Pen:  Morath 4

For Fiji:
Tries:  Kalou, Ravulo
Con:  Little
Pen:  Little 3

Tonga:  15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Viliami Helu, 13 Alaska Taufa, 12 Andrew Mailei, 11 Viliame Longi, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Samisoni Fisilau, 8 Sione Kalamafoni, 7 Samiu Vahafolau (c), 6 Lisiate Faaoso, 5 Tukulua Lokotui, 3 Kisi Palu, 4 Paino Hehea, 2 Ifalemi Taukafa, 1 Alisona Taumalolo.
Replacements:  16 Semisi Telefoni, 17 Tonga Lea'aetoa, 18 Joe Tuneau, 19 Sione Vaiomounga, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Hudson Tonga'uiha and 22 Mateo Malupo.

Head Coach:  Isitolo Maka.

Fiji:  15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Albert James Vulivuli, 12 Gabiriele Vododuadua Lovobalavu, 11 Timoci Nagusa, 10 Nicky Little, 9 Nemia Serelevu Ranuku, 8 Dominiko Maiwiriwiri Waqaniburotu, 7 Ratu Malakai Mana Ravulo, 6 Josefa Ulago Domolailai, 5 Tevita Gucake Naqaqa Cavubati, 4 Sekonaia Kalou, 3 Deacon Manu, 2 Viliame Veikoso, 1 Graham Dewes.
Replacements:  16 Talemaitoga Dautu Tuapatu, 17 Ratu Penijamini N Makutu, 18 Leone Nakarawa, 19 Malakai Volau, 20 Vitori Tomu Buatava, 21 Waisea Sedre Luveniyali and 22 Adriu Delai.

Head Coach: Samu Domoni.