Tonga edge ahead of Japan

A frenetic first half ended with Tonga 18-13 ahead of Japan as both teams chased their first win of Rugby World Cup 2011 at Northland Events Centre on Wednesday.

The boot of fly half Kurt Morath, who was successful with two penalties and a conversion, was the difference as the sides shared four tries in their high-paced Pool A clash.

After seven days to recover from their defeat by Canada, Tonga were swiftly on the attack.
Although the Japanese were able to withstand a succession of scrums on their line, number 8 Viliami Ma'afu eventually crashed over for a try in the seventh minute.

Japan bounced back and drew the scores level when the TMO ruled that prop Kensuke Hatakeyama had touched down despite suggestions of a double movement.

Crash over

But from the restart Tonga pounced on spilled ball and second row Tukulua Lokotui was on hand to crash over in the left corner for a converted try that put them 12-5 up after 15 minutes.

Minutes after his try-saving tackle on Tonga centre Siale Piutau, Japan flanker Michael Leitch displayed his value in attack when he powered over for his side's second try following some deft handling by the Brave Blossoms' backs.

With less than 10 minutes of the half remaining Japan playmaker James Arlidge was sent to the sin bin for deliberately stifling a Tonga attack while standing in an offside postion.

But full back Shaun Webb took over his kicking duties and dragged Japan within a score by kicking a penalty from in front of the posts on the stroke of half-time.