Pacific Nations Cup: Round 2 - Fiji begin title defense with comeback win over Tonga

With just one last round of group action to go, Pools A and B are steadily taking shape ahead with the play-offs in sight. Fiji have begun their title defence with a commanding win over their Pacific Island rivals, despite Tonga's hot start which caught the Fijians off-guard. Japan saw off a gutsy Canadian effort to kick-start their Pacific Nations Cup efforts, as Eddie Jones' side ran in eight tries despite the resolve of the Maple Leaves to stay in the match.

Fiji's bonus point win was enough to take them to the top of Pool A, with Japan mirroring the efforts to sit at the summit of Pool B. We are set for a cracking final round of group action this weekend, as Fiji battle Samoa and Japan take on the USA to determine the standings for the knock-out stages. Here's a recap of all the action, from across the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup.

Fiji’s Pacific Nations Cup title defence began with a bruising yet convincing 32–10 victory over Tonga in Suva. It didn’t start to script, as Tonga scrum half Augustine Pulu darted over in just the second minute to stun the home crowd. The ‘Ikale Tahi brought physicality and composure early, while Fiji looked caught cold.

Fiji fly half Caleb Muntz steadied the ship with a penalty, before the Flying Fijians' trademark pace ignited the contest. Seta Tamanivalu’s length-of-the-field effort and Kalaveti Ravouvou’s slick finish underlined Fiji's crowd-pleasing attacking flair. Tonga clung on with Patrick Pellegrini’s boot, trailing just 17–10 at half-time, but ill-discipline crippled their second-half hopes.

Siosiua Moala picked up a second yellow card, to be permenantly sent to the stands late on in the match, as Fiji wrestled complete control. Captain Tevita Ikanivere powered over, followed by Taniela Rakuro to seal the result for Vern Cotter's side. Not perfect, but a ruthless reminder of why Fiji remain tournament favourites as defending champions.

FIJI: 32
TRIES: 4 (Seta Tamanivalu 13’, Kalaveti Ravouvou 21’, Tevita Ikanivere 63’, Taniela Rakuro 68’)
CONVERSIONS: 3 (Caleb Muntz 14’, 22’, 64’)
PENALTIES: 2 (Caleb Muntz 7’, 56’)

TONGA: 10
TRY: 1 (Augustine Pulu 2’)
CONVERSION: 1 (Patrick Pellegrini 3’)
PENALTY: 1 (Patrick Pellegrini 41’)

Japan overcame a stubborn Canadian challenge to open their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a 57–15 win in Sendai. The Brave Blossoms struck first through Amato Fakatava, but Canada countered superbly as Siôn Parry bundled over to level the matters. Peter Nelson’s penalty soon had the visitors briefly dreaming at 10–10, before Eddie Jones' men asserted the control upon the match.

Japan skipper Warner Dearns muscled through before half-time, giving his side a seven-point cushion. From there, the floodgates opened for the men in red and white. Fakatava’s second score sparked a ruthless 25-minute blitz, with Sam Greene, Ben Gunter, Tomoki Osada, and Kippei Ishida all adding their names to the ever-growing scoresheet. Seungsin Lee’s metronomic boot added an extra 22 points.

Canada fought hard, Jesse Mackail provided a late consolation effort, but the Brave Blossoms had found their rhythm in devastating fashion. A stuttering first half gave way to a clinical second, in the kind of ruthless edge that Japan will need as this competition unfolds.

JAPAN: 57
TRIES: 7 (Amato Fakatava 3’, 55’, Warner Dearns 38’, Sam Greene 59’, Ben Gunter 65’, Tomoki Osada 73’, Kippei Ishida 77’, 84’)
CONVERSIONS: 7 (Seungsin Lee 39’, 56’, 66’, 74’, 78’, 84’)
PENALTIES: 1 (Seungsin Lee 13’)

CANADA: 15
TRIES: 2 (Siôn Parry 23’, Jesse Mackail 79’)
CONVERSION: 1 (Peter Nelson 24’)
PENALTY: 1 (Peter Nelson 30’)