Japan fall in Fukuoka
Tonga loose forward Tevita Fifita ran in a brace of tries as his country opened their Pacific Five Nations account with a resounding 57-16 victory over Japan in Fukuoka on Sunday.
Fifita, one of several Japan-based players in the Tongan side, opened the scoring in the first minute but Japan rallied to leave the half-time score balanced 15-13 in favour of the visitors.
But the islanders upped the ante in the second half and ran six tries past the error-prone Japanese.
"The second half was a nightmare," said Japan coach Jean-Pierre Elissalde.
"Every time in contact situations, we were worse than Tonga and lost the ball.
"It didn't matter if we went wide or kept it tight, we were going to lose the ball."
Tonga coach Adam Leach admitted that local knowledge had played a big role in his side's win.
"A lot of the players and me have experience of playing and coaching here," said the former Yamaha Jubilo assistant coach.
"We knew their strengths and weaknesses and that gave us confidence."
The scorers:
For Tonga:
Tries: Fifita 2, Vaikona, Hala'ufia, Hehea, Tuifa, Tu'ipulotu, Filipine
Cons: Hola 3
Pens: Hola 2
For Japan:
Try: Oto
Con: Onishi
Pens: Onishi 3
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