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LAUTOKA, Fiji (AP) — Japan scored three tries in 17 minutes either side of halftime to come from 10 points down and beat Tonga 28-27 in the Pacific Nations Cup rugby tournament on Saturday.
Flyhalf Kurt Morath steered Tonga to a 17-7 lead after 29 minutes; scoring and converting his own try and kicking a penalty and the conversion of a try by flanker Viliame Ma'afu.
Japan's rally began with a try to veteran winger Kosuke Endo which cut the lead to 17-14 at halftime. Takashi Kikutani and Koji Taira scored tries in the 47th and 51st minutes which, with conversions by flyhalf James Arlidge, gave Japan a 28-17 lead.
Tonga closed to one point with a converted try by replacement Hudson Tongauiha with seven minutes remaining.
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Flyhalf Kurt Morath steered Tonga to a 17-7 lead after 29 minutes; scoring and converting his own try and kicking a penalty and the conversion of a try by flanker Viliame Ma'afu.
Japan's rally began with a try to veteran winger Kosuke Endo which cut the lead to 17-14 at halftime. Takashi Kikutani and Koji Taira scored tries in the 47th and 51st minutes which, with conversions by flyhalf James Arlidge, gave Japan a 28-17 lead.
Tonga closed to one point with a converted try by replacement Hudson Tongauiha with seven minutes remaining.
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