Japan

21 - 16

Full Time

Tonga

Japan vs Tonga

Events

Commentary

Live Updates

It's all over! The referee has blown their whistle to end the game.

80'

This is dangerous for the defence as Afusipa Taumoepeau bursts through to advance the Tonga attack.

78'

This is dangerous for the defence as Semisi Masirewa bursts through to advance the Japan attack.

78'

Tonga decide to make a substitution, with Otumaka Mausia getting some game time.

72'

Tonga decide to make a substitution, with William Havili being replaced.

72'

Tonga make a substitution with Paula Ngauamo coming on.

68'

Tonga make a substitution with Samiuela Moli coming off.

68'

Tonga make a substitution with David Lolohea coming on.

68'

Tonga make a substitution with Ben Tameifuna coming off.

68'

Tonga make a substitution with Feao Fotuaika coming on.

68'

Tonga make a substitution with Siegfried Fisi'ihoi coming off.

68'

Tonga make a substitution with Manu Paea coming on.

67'

Tonga make a substitution with Sonatane Takulua coming off.

67'

Penalty Goal

The Japan supporters go wild as Rikiya Matsuda successfully kicks the penalty goal.

66'

The defensive line has been broken as Jiwon Gu goes through the gap.

64'

Tonga sub Malakai Fekitoa comes onto the field.

63'

Kyren Taumoefolau departs for Tonga.

63'

Japan sub Kotaro Matsushima comes onto the field.

63'

Ryohei Yamanaka departs for Japan.

63'

Shota Horie comes on for Japan.

58'

Atsushi Sakate leaves the field.

58'

Craig Millar comes on for Japan.

58'

Keita Inagaki leaves the field.

58'

Tevita Tatafu comes on for Japan.

58'

Ben Gunter leaves the field.

58'

William Havili hits the right post with the conversion, failing to add the two points.

57'

Try

The forward pack of Tonga will be happy with that as the rolling maul barges over for the try.

56'

Rikiya Matsuda has hooked the conversion to the left of the posts.

53'

Try

A penetrating move by Japan results in a try for Semisi Masirewa.

52'

What a run here by Semisi Masirewa as they get over the gainline!

52'

That's a great try assist by Ryohei Yamanaka.

52'

Jiwon Gu comes on.

52'

Asaeli Ai Valu comes off.

52'

Yutaka Nagare comes on.

52'

Naoto Saito comes off.

52'

Tonga decide to make a substitution, with Solomone Funaki getting some game time.

46'

Tonga decide to make a substitution, with Lopeti Timani being replaced.

46'

Tonga decide to make a substitution, with Tanginoa Halaifonua getting some game time.

46'

Tonga decide to make a substitution, with Steve Mafi being replaced.

46'

Japan decide to make a substitution, with Rikiya Matsuda getting some game time.

46'

Japan decide to make a substitution, with Seungsin Lee being replaced.

46'

Japan decide to make a substitution, with James Moore getting some game time.

46'

Japan decide to make a substitution, with Uwe Helu being replaced.

46'

Penalty Goal

William Havili makes no mistake with that penalty goal attempt.

46'

Leva Fifita makes the break as the defence re-enacts the parting of the red sea.

42'

Penalty Goal

William Havili kicks the penalty.

41'

The second half kicks off.

40'

The half-time whistle blows and both teams head for the dressing rooms.

41'

Japan go for goal with Seungsin Lee taking the conversion but their aim is not up to scratch as the ball slides to the left of the post.

40'

Try

A perfectly weighted kick allows Amato Fakatava to score the try.

39'

Fabulous play by Japan has led to Amato Fakatava being able to wriggle through a gap.

39'

That's a great try assist by Jone Naikabula.

39'

Penalty Goal

The Japan supporters go wild as Seungsin Lee successfully kicks the penalty goal.

31'

William Havili curls the ball too far, missing the posts to the right.

23'

Try

A wonderful passing move by Tonga is finished off by Sonatane Takulua

22'

That's a great try assist by Vaea Fifita.

22'

This is dangerous for the defence as Vaea Fifita bursts through to advance the Tonga attack.

22'

Seungsin Lee curls the ball too far, missing the posts to the left.

21'

Try

A wonderful passing move by Japan is finished off by Jone Naikabula

19'

This is dangerous for the defence as Jone Naikabula bursts through to advance the Japan attack.

19'

Semisi Masirewa sets up the try.

19'

The touch judges have waved away the attempt by Seungsin Lee as they hook it left.

17'

A gap opened in the defence and Samiuela Moli took full advantage.

15'

A gap opened in the defence and Dylan Riley took full advantage.

13'

Spellbinding play by Seungsin Lee is finished off with a try.

13'

A gap opened in the defence and Charles Piutau took full advantage.

13'

A gap opened in the defence and Kyren Taumoefolau took full advantage.

We are underway as the referee blows their whistle.

Match Details

  
 Japan v Tonga 
  
 Sat 29th July 2023, 03:30am PDT 
  
 Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Points Flow Chart

Japan win +5

Time in lead

Mins in lead

67%

% Of Game In Lead

34%

Possession Last 10 min

66%

Points Last 10 min

Key Events

Full Time

Matsuda

21 - 16

66'

Moli

56'

18 - 16

Masirewa

18 - 11

52'

Havili

46'

13 - 11

Havili

41'

13 - 8

Half Time

Fakatava

13 - 5

39'

Lee

8 - 5

31'

Takulua

22'

5 - 5

Naikabula

5 - 0

19'

Start

22m Entries

Avg. Points Scored

3.6

Entries

Avg. Points Scored

1.4

Entries

Attack Profile

Japan

Tonga

More Less

Defence Profile

Japan

Tonga

More Less

Ruck Speed

0-3 secs

51%

47%

3-6 secs

29%

31%

6+ secs

16%

Rucks Won

Japan vs Tonga Kick Off Times & TV Channel

Japan face off against Tonga in Internationals on Sat 29th July 2023 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium. Kick-off in the UK is scheduled for 11:30. In South Africa it’s at 12:30 SAST, 22:30 NZST in New Zealand, 20:30 AEST in Australia and 03:30 EST in the US.

Japan won the last encounter but Tonga are in the best form of their last 5 games.

World Rankings

Heading into the fixture, Japan sits at 12 in the World Rugby Rankings, while Tonga holds 18.

The two sides are separated by 6 places in the rankings with Japan in position 12 and Tonga in position 18 as such Japan are favourites on paper.

Japan vs Tonga Squads

The official squads for Japan vs Tonga will become available around 24- 48 hours before kick-off. Teams can still make changes up to an hour before the match however.