Dragons RFC centre Fetuli Paea played at outside centre as Tonga were defeated 62-24 by Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 semi-final at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Denver.
Tonga, who have now qualified for Rugby World Cup 2027, name a much-changed starting line-up with head coach Tevita Tu’ifua admitting there had been a high injury toll within camp. In addition, some players have returned to their clubs for the start of the European season.
And it was last year’s losing Pacific Nations Cup finalists Japan who scored five tries in a second-half exhibition of attacking rugby to ease away from Tonga and book their place in next weekend’s final in Salt Lake City.
Japan had conceded an average of just 18 points in their Pacific Nations Cup 2025 pool-phase matches against Canada and USA. By the end of a thoroughly entertaining first-half against Tonga, they had shipped 19.
But although the ‘Ikale Tahi were firmly in the hunt for a first win over the Brave Blossoms in 10 years at the break, they were overwhelmed by Japan’s pace and attacking smarts in the second.
Tonga will now face Canada in the third/fourth place play-off next Saturday in Salt Lake City.
Tonga Squad vs Japan: 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2 Samiuela Moli, 3 Ben Tameifuna (captain); 4 Veikoso Poloniati, 5 Harison Mataele; 6 Tupou Afungia, 7 Foto Lokotui, 8 Siosiua Moala; 9 Sonatane Takulua, 10 Patrick Pellegrini; 11 John Tapueluelu, 12 Uilisi Halaholo, 13 Fetuli Paea, 14 Nikolai Foliaki; 15 Salesi Piutau
Replacements: 16 Sosefu Sakalia, 17 Tau Koloamatangi, 18 Solomone Tukuafu, 19 Justin Mataele, 20 Tevita Ahokovi, 21 Siaosi Nai, 22 James Faiva, 23 Josiah Unga
