Japan Stun Tonga in PNC

Japan stunned Tonga in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup, beating the islanders 35-13 at Sendai City for their first victory in the tournament.

The Japanese pack, impressive against Australia A a week ago, fronted up well to the muscular Tongans and showed sharp discipline early on to lay the foundations for what was to prove a comfortable victory.

With the game won at 30-13, the Japanese added a fourth try in the dying minutes through Bryce Robins to make the final score 35-13.

The Cherry Blossoms next face the Flying Fijians in Tokyo this Saturday.

In other weekend's IRB Pacific Nations Cup matches Australia A beat Samoa 20-15 in Apia while the Maori's needed a try in the last minute by lock Jason Eaton to beat Fiji 11-7 in Lautoka.