ENR: Pacific Nations Cup (3)
The final round of the pool stages kicked off in Tonga. The first game of this competition on the island. I’ve commented previously on the lack of fans in the stadia, this ground didn’t even have a visible stadium. Just a few fans milling about on the mounds encircling the field. Fiji came into this game as favourites and proved as such when they went two trys up within five minutes. Both trys taking advantage of a lacklustre defence. Fiji had clearly been working on their set piece. After marching through the Tongan scrum to win a penalty, they went to the corner to work a textbook catch and drive, claiming their third try.
An altercation occurred at a breakdown that was instigated by Cocagi, flying in with a direct shoulder to head. The action met the yellow card threshold and the centre was sat out to await his fate as the bunker reviewed the misdemeanour. The extra man advantage seemed to be exactly what Tonga needed as a well weighted kick bounced perfectly into the hands of a chasing Paea, putting Tonga on the board. The next break in play, referee Gardener, pulled in the Fiji captain to inform him that the yellow had in fact been upgraded to a red and they would have to complete the next twenty minutes a man down. After which, the new laws state, they can replace the position with substitute.
Tonga, behind by only 12 points were awarded a penalty in font of the posts. Bravely they made the gamble to kick to the corner. The subsequent play from the lineout was unsuccessful but a cross-field kick was collected by centre, Inisi, and he slammed the ball down over the line. The successful conversion put Tonga within 5 points of the visitors. Tonga were pinning Fiji back into their own 22m once again and the pressure caused Fiji to break the law enough times to get a warning from the ref. A strike play from the scrum put Tongans flyhallf, Pelegrini, over the white wash. He missed the kick and the score was equal at 19 all. With four minutes left to play before the half, Fiji got back to a full compliment of players and the momentum immediately shifted. Tonga started to concede penalties in quick succession and Fiji had free rein to perform another 5m lineout drive to get the last words of the half at 19-26.
The second half opened frenetically. Fiji claimed every loose ball and offloaded out of every tackle possible. Tonga gave just as much back with an improved attack that asked all the right questions of the Fijian defence. Tonga were unlucky to sustain three injuries early on, forcing the coach to make changes sooner than planned while Fiji were cursed with handling errors in the back line. Eventually Tonga were caught offside and Fiji, keen to stretch the lead to 10 points, kicked the penalty with great accuracy. It would seem that was the jump start Fiji needed, as straight from the restart, Fiji worked up the field in just a few phases to put Tabuavou through for a try. An expertly executed rush defence caused what would have been a breakaway try for Karawalevu, however the TMO stepped in to alert the ref about a knock on in the tackle and the try was erased from the score board. Fiji stayed patient and scored after a pick and go on the line. Karawalevu must have walked under a ladder on his way to the game, as he had another storming run to the try line only for it to be called back for a forward pass. Masi was to make amends though with an interception on the halfway line for the last try of the game. Mutz conversion was good and ends the game 19-50. Although Tonga didn’t roll over, they still couldn’t score any points in the second half. Fiji secure their place at the top of pool A while simultaneously cementing Tonga in last.
Tonga 19 - 50 Fiji
The final game of the pool stages was held in Japan as they hosted USA. The home team drew first blood with an easy penalty kick, followed by a converted try coming from an expert chip over the defence. USA had their chance to retaliate soon after due to Japans second infraction at scrum time. Carty kicked true and USA return to a 7 point deficit. The late night humidity of the Japanese climate played a part in this game as the USA flyhalf, Carty, struggled to grip the ball during an exit and gave an attacking scrum to Japan. This time they successfully got the ball free and played with a ferocious pace that put Waqa under the sticks, and an easy conversion for Lee. A poor maul defence from Japan allowed USA in for their first try, Carty added the two from a wide angle. Japan took advantage of a sleepy American defence in the penultimate play before the half. Thecy caught them out with a tap and go and a long pass to Harada, who just entered the field, to score on his first touch. Half time was blown and Japan were making steady progress at 24-10.
It didn’t take long until Japan’s centre, Riley, received a ball deep in his own half. Dodging three defenders to run the length, he scored a try worthy of a lifetime highlights reel. Refusing to be defeated, Augspurger of USA benefited from a maul that crabbed so far infield, it left enough space to blitz in a try on the blind side. It was Auspurger to strike again after a free kick was awarded to USA. With the new laws denying them a scrum they tapped and went with the forwards. Then swung play around to put the winger in untouched. Being 7 points ahead just wasn’t feeling comfortable enough for the Japanese and they kicked their next penalty, putting themselves 10 points clear. Japan scored the last try of the game from a set piece move from the lineout. A show and go split the American defence then finished off with deft hands to close the game out with ten minutes still to go.
Japan 41 - 24 USA
USA showed some serious improvement but were still short of talent to overcome a well drilled and physically fitter Japan. Japan have the advantageous situation, being able to stay at home for the knock out stages of the competition, starting this weekend. They face Samoa in the semi’s who, I believe, should provide no challenge for them. Once they navigate the heavy collisions that the Samoans will no doubt bring, they should be able to find the ample space available in the defence. Before that, Fiji will face USA which should prove to be a tighter game, but I still can’t see USA finding an answer to Fiji’s pace in open play, especially beyond five phases.
Saturdays games will start with Tonga vs Canada in a fifth place playoff. Both teams have tragically underperformed in the competition, finishing the pool stages with a points difference of -57 and -40 respectively in just two games. The loser of this game will have to take serious consideration of what measures they’ll need to undertake to ensure their place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
All games can be watched on Rugbypass.com