Late-game Matsushima tackle ensures Japan hold on to beat Tonga

Japan have bounced back from last weekend’s defeat to Samoa by beating Tonga 21-16 in Osaka. The 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-finalists got preparation for the upcoming finals in France off to a dubious start in Sapporo, a red card for Michael Leitch not helping in their 22-24 opening match loss.

Leitch was banned on Thursday for three matches, a punishment that will be cut to two if he successfully completes tackle school. In the meantime, an XV showing six changes picked up the pieces versus the Tongans to grab what was Japan’s first Test match win since a June 2022 victory over Uruguay.

Ahead of opening their campaign in France with a September 10 encounter with Chile in Toulouse that will be followed seven days later with a clash against England in Nice, Japan produced an improved warm-up display that featured tries from Jone Naikabula, Amato Fakatava and Semisi Masirewa against a Tonga outfit that had tries from Sonatane Takalua and Samiuela Moli.

The Pacific islanders had more of the first half possession, enjoying 65 per cent of the ball, but Japan led 13-5 at the break.

Tonga twice cut that margin to two points in the second half but they couldn’t grab the converted score at the finish that would have given them the win, Kotaro Matsushima producing a try-saving tackle in the final moments.

Japan will now wrap up their home-based match preparations with a game next weekend in Tokyo versus Fiji, who have beaten Tonga and Samoa in recent weeks. Next up for the Tongans is a trip to Apia to play the Samoans.

The Brave Blossoms wrap up their Pacific campaign next weekend in Tokyo when they play Fiji, who beat Samoa 33-19 in Apia earlier in the day.