Japan saw off a spirited Tongan side with a 21-16 Pacific Nations Cup victory at Hanazono Rugby Stadium near Osaka on Saturday that got their World Cup preparations back on track following a tight loss to Samoa last week.
Tries from Jone Naikabula and debutant Amato Fakatava in the first half and one from Semisi Masiwera in the second kept Japan in front for most of the game, but Tonga scored two tries of their own and were pressing for another until the end.
The back and forth continued throughout, punctuated by a series of handling errors on both sides which left little room to build phases and pressure. A last ditch try-saving tackle by replacement fullback Kotaro Matsushima, however, saved Japan and they held on to secure the victory.
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