Brave Blossoms March On Into Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Final

The Brave Blossoms defeated Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 semifinal at Dicks Sporting Goods Park 62-24 to book a place in the final next weekend against Fiji.

Photo Credit – JRFU

The performance in the second half was their best half of rugby under Eddie Jones’ in the Head Coach’s second spell in charge; the team had a slight lead at the break but broke free of their shackles and produced some excellent tries as they outscored Tonga 41 points to 5 in the second period and ran in eight tries in the game.

Of what was said at the break, which was an entertaining but physical period of rugby, Eddie Jones said, “We needed to defend better around the ruck as we were giving them too much leeway. We added elements to our kicking game in the second half.”

The victory ensured a repeat of last year’s PNC final as the Fijians thumped Canada 63-10 in the second semifinal. 

Photo Credit – JRFU

Man of the Match tighthead prop Takeuchi said, “We were able to control the set piece against a physical Tongan team. Next week in the final will be physical again, and we’ll do our best to beat Fiji or Canada”.

Ikale Tahi captain Ben Tameifuna commented on the loss, “We are disappointed as we’ve worked hard these past few weeks..We got points in the first half, but couldn’t build on that in the second half. We wish we could have our players every week, but this is what we have.”

Tonga set their stall out with a ferocious and intense Sipi Tau, but the Brave Blossoms accepted and met the challenge.

Tonga started well and placed the Japanese under pressure with the Pacific Islanders leading 5-0 before Tonga gave away a free kick for forming huddles at the lineout after being warned, and the resulting tap and go from Japan tighthead Shuhei Takeuchi broke downfield and offloaded to Hayate Era to score.

Tonga’s fly-half, Patrick Pellegrini, pinned Japan back with smart kicks, while the runners with the ball in hand were direct.

Tongan-born Japanese player Fakatava scored his 5th try in three PNC games, and near the half-hour mark, Tongan talisman and captain Ben Tameifuna scored from short range to keep the scorelines close. Brave Blossoms captain Warner Dearns displayed excellent feet to score his fourth try in the Championship. But Tonga struck back before the half as the Brave Blossoms led 21-19 at the break.

Photo Credit – JRFU

Japan broke free after the half and showed great innovation and a breathless pace of attack; Tonga could not compete with them, and their discipline also let them down.

Dylan Riley capped a great lineout move to lead 28-19, and Shuhei Takeuchi continued to showcase his barnstorming runs, which allowed scrumhalf Shinobu Fujiwara to score.

Flyhalf Seungsin Lee was excellent off the boot, scoring penalties and conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking along. Tonga tried to stay in the fight. They scored via John Tapueluelu, but the Japanese attack and two yellow cards for Tonga meant the Brave Blossoms ran away as 62-24 winners.

Victorious skipper Warner Dearns added, “Playing against Tonga is always going to be physical. We did enough to match them. Next week will be exciting in the final, whoever we have to play.”

Photo Credit – JRFU

International Rugby Tests 2025

• Japan Brave Blossoms vs Tonga Preview – Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Semifinal
• Pacific Nations Cup 2025 Details Announced.
• Japan Brave Blossoms vs Canada Preview – Pacific Nations Cup 2025.
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