Ikale Tahi will feel like their main job is done by securing qualification to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, but beating Japan in the semifinal of the Pacific Nations Cup on 14th September would give them extra impetus before that tournament in Australia.
Ikale Tahi will feel like their main job is done by securing qualification to the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, but beating Japan in the semifinal of the Pacific Nations Cup on 14th September would give them extra impetus before that tournament in Australia.
Realistically, the Brave Blossoms would be too strong based on their form, but the recent record books paint a close picture between the two.
When they play at Dicks Sporting Goods Park, Japan has the slight edge of six to four wins in the head-to-head rivalry, but the Brave Blossoms have won the past three encounters and last lost to Tonga a decade ago.
Tonga have also never won the Pacific Nations Cup, having been runner-up in 2011 and 2016 but their coach confirmed they have had injuries which have forced changes, and players have returned to their European clubs. They do have the services of captain Ben Tameifuna, who missed the game against Fiji, returning for this weekend's match.
'Ikale Tahi head coach Tevita Tu'ifua said. "It has been a tough week for us last week and coming into this new week. We are excited about making it into the World Cup. However, we are challenged to give it our best shot against Japan this weekend. About eight new boys are in the squad now.”
The side does still include Salesi Piutau, Siegfried Fisi'hoi, Samiuela Moli, Tanginoa Halaifonua, Augustine Pulu, Sonatane Takulua and Fetuli Paea.
"We will give it our best shot against Japan, they are clear favourites and have been consistent…But definitely the test experience gap is still too wide,” added Tonga’s coach.
Eddie Jones' Brave Blossoms side leads many of the pack stats heading into this round, with the best lineout and scrum success of all the PNC sides and the most steals in the competition. There is still a big disparity in the teams’ respective ruck speeds, with the Japanese the quickest at under three seconds and the Tongans above four seconds.
The forwards have been racking up the tries for the runners-up in last year's competition. Ben Gunter has the most tackles (36) in the PNC and the most dominant hits too (7), while also leading the most turnovers won
Among the backs, Kipei Ishida leads the individual rankings for carry metres (294) and line breaks (5) and has scored three tries in the past two games against the USA and Canada.
Both sides have suffered from discipline issues averaging above 12 penalties per game.
Neither Fiji nor Japan can improve their current positions this weekend as higher-ranked teams, and will stay in ninth and 13th, respectively, if they win.
Tonga need to beat Japan by more than 15 points to move ahead of Spain into 15th. They could rise to 14th if they win and if Samoa lose to the USA this weekend by a similar margin of points.
Luc Ramos (France) takes charge of the Tonga versus Japan PNC semifinal.
