Captain Latu leads by example. He puts a chip in behind the Japanese defencive line. Vea

As Japan drive for the Tongan line Kaho drags down the Japanese maul. He is deservedly sin binned but the sacrifice appears to habe paid off as Tonga win the ball off the ensuing lineout drive.

Japan apply pressure to a Tongan scrum 5m from the Tongan line. The visitors attempt to run the ball but lose it in contact. Attacking scrum Japan.

Japan go into contact very high and T-Pole does well to rip the ball free for Tonga. He pops it wide to Vainikolo and the Connacht man races away down the wing for his double.

A great start from Tonga. A scrum 35m out from the Japanese line provides a great attacking opportunity. They attack down the right before exploiting an overlap out left.

Early signs of intent from Tonga. With a penalty infront of the posts, after only 3minutes, the decline the shot at goal and kick down the line. Unfortunately the line out was not straight.

Hello and welcome! We at Ultimate Rugby are very proud to announce that we will be providing live coverage of this years Pacific Nations Cup. This first match between Japan and Tonga is sure to be hotly contested as both teams look to lay down an early marker. Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in Japan with massive investment allowing for some very high profile players to player in Japan's largest clubs, including many Tongans!
With IRB ranking points at stake expect a high standard of rugby as both teams look for automatic qualification for the next RWC.

Go ikaletahi. Go