22 Sep 2011

Sport: Tonga beat Japan for first World Cup win

7:16 am on 22 September 2011

A dominant performance up front helped Tonga secure their first win of the Rugby World Cup against Japan in Whagarei last night.

Both sides scored three tries, including former Northland wing Fetu Vainikolo on his old home ground, but 16 points from the boot of Kurt Morath kept Tonga in control.

The 31-18 victory snaps a five match losing streak against Japan and keeps their faint quarter final hopes alive.

Head coach Isitolo Maka says he was especially pleased with his side's performance at the breakdown and how they reacted to last week's loss to Canada.