World Rugby Pacific Challenge 2024 begins with wins for Fiji Warriors and Japan XV

Despite fielding just 14 players for the majority of the match, the Fiji Warriors won their opening round match against Tonga A 29–17, setting up a thrilling encounter between the two teams.

On Wednesday, Japan XV easily defeated hosts Manuma Samoa 48–5, securing the World Rugby Pacific Challenge title.

Despite the fact that both teams received try bonus points, Japan XV leads the rankings after one round of the three-round development tournament due to their larger point differential.

On Monday, April 15, at Apia Park, the top two teams will square off in the second round, with Manuma Samoa taking on Tonga A in the other match.

29–17 TONGA FIJI WARRIORS After losing loose-head prop John Muller in the 23rd minute due to a red card, the Fiji Warriors defeated Tonga A by bonus points to start their title defence.

At that moment, Tonga A was ahead 9–5 with two penalties, a fly-half Patelesio Oneone drop goal, and a try by Fiji Warriors hooker Patemo Nuku in response.

The 10-time winners were energised by Muller’s dismissal and secured the try bonus point in just 54 minutes, refusing to give up.

A score by Sakiusa Vosayaco at the halfway point made sure that the Fiji Warriors led 12–9 at the half, and more from Nuku and Sivaniolo Lumelume extended their lead to four tries.

Substitution After an hour had passed, Aisake Stani added a fifth to the Fiji Warriors’ lead, which now stood at 29-12. Oneone’s third penalty of the game had put Tonga A in double figures.

That was the final score until Tonga As the time was almost up, ‘Ofa Tapueleulu, a replacement forward, crossed.

JAPAN XV MANUMA SAMOA 5-48
Japan dominated Samoa right from the outset, as hooker Kenshin Shimzu scored the first try in the opening few minutes.

Manuma Samoa swiftly answered with inside centre Afoa Moleli’s lone attempt. However, the Asian team took over and scored five of their eight tries in the last quarter to pile on the points.

The half ended with Manuma Samoa reduced to 14 men after Joseph Silva’s yellow card, and worse was to come as Moleli’s opposite number, Takaya Motohashi, crossed for Japan XV’s second goal.

Before the openside could return, replacement hooker Kenji Sato over for the first of his two second-half tries, each side of Jingo Takenoshita’s score.

After Sato’s second, full-back Yoshitaka Yazaki and substitutes Keito Aoki and Kotaro Okawa all scored tries as Japan XV made a strong declaration demonstrating their ability to be taken seriously.

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