Japan holds off Tonga in Pacific Nations Cup before facing unbeaten Fiji
1 year, 7 months ago

Japan holds off Tonga in Pacific Nations Cup before facing unbeaten Fiji

Associated Press  

OSAKA, Japan — A late Kotaro Matsushima try-saving tackle highlighted a big defensive effort by Japan to hold off Tonga 21-16 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Saturday and retain a slim chance of winning the Pacific Nations Cup. Following its first win in more than a year, Japan hosts unbeaten title favorite Fiji in Tokyo next weekend in the third and last round of the cup. A try by wing Semisi Masirewa extended Japan’s lead but Tonga closed in again after hooker Samiuela Moli’s try from a lineout. Earlier, Fiji handled defending champion Samoa 33-19 in Apia to start the Pacific Nations Cup with two wins.

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History of this topic

Tonga's Pacific Championships success raises questions about International Rugby League's tier system
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Tonga's Pacific Championships success raises questions about International Rugby League's tier system

ABC  

For decades, there was an understood hierarchy in men's rugby league that went something like: Australia, New Zealand, England, a bit of daylight, then everyone else. Australia, England and New Zealand are currently the only federations in International Rugby League's Tier 1. 2023/24 Origin players eligible for Tonga or Samoa Samoa: Stephen Crichton, Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Spencer Leniu *, …

Tonga's rugby league rise
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Tonga's rugby league rise

ABC  

Sally Sara: Australia's men's and women's rugby league teams have both claimed victory in the Pacific Championships. Kathleen Ferguson: Tonga supporter Hahano Namoa was there with his family, including some who travelled from as far as the US to attend the game. Kathleen Ferguson: This level of love and passion for Tonga seems to have helped fuel the side, which …

Australia conquers bold Tonga to win the Pacific Championship final
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Australia conquers bold Tonga to win the Pacific Championship final

Associated Press  

SYDNEY — Tom Trbojevic and Tom Deardon combined for tries on either side of halftime which lifted Australia to a 20-14 win over Tonga in the final of rugby league’s Pacific Championship on Sunday. Trbojevic scored off Deardon’s breaks in the 36th and 43rd minutes as the Kangaroos took control of the game after being rocked when Tonga scored first …

Pacific Championship five quick hits: Tonga go the distance and Test rookies stand tall as Parramatta turns red
Trending News
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Pacific Championship five quick hits: Tonga go the distance and Test rookies stand tall as Parramatta turns red

ABC  

The rugby league season has officially come to a close and Australia will reign as kings of the Pacific after downing Tonga 20-14 to cap off a bumper quadruple header at Western Sydney Stadium. With Samoa and Australia claiming the honours in the women's matches and New Zealand running out big winners over Papua New Guinea in the final match …

Kangaroos beat Tonga in thrilling men's Pacific Championships final, Jillaroos get revenge against Kiwi Ferns in women's final
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Kangaroos beat Tonga in thrilling men's Pacific Championships final, Jillaroos get revenge against Kiwi Ferns in women's final

ABC  

The Kangaroos have won the men's Pacific Championships in front of an electric Western Sydney Stadium crowd as they survived a spirited last-ditch comeback attempt from Tonga in the final. In the day's final game, New Zealand stayed in the top tier of the Pacific Championships with a 54-12 win over Papua New Guinea, with 18-year-old debutant Casey McLean scoring …

Wales desperate to end 9-test losing streak against a reinforced Fiji in Cardiff
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Wales desperate to end 9-test losing streak against a reinforced Fiji in Cardiff

Associated Press  

Wales has lost nine straight tests, dating to the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals a year ago. “We have just got to be clinical.” For Fiji’s first visit to Cardiff in three years, Gatland has welcomed back valuable experience he didn’t have in July when they lost to the Wallabies 2-0 in Australia. Ben Thomas, called the best back in Wales …

Why the Pacific Championship final is Tonga's arrival at Test football's final frontier
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Why the Pacific Championship final is Tonga's arrival at Test football's final frontier

ABC  

Tonga making their first major international final is cause for celebration, so it's a good thing Tonga do that better than just about anyone else. The only one bigger than this is the World Cup which, for all their talent and passion, might never make it Tonga — England and New Zealand both have close to a century's head start …

Tonga beats New Zealand in thrilling rugby league Test in Auckland to reach Pacific Cup final
4 months, 3 weeks ago

Tonga beats New Zealand in thrilling rugby league Test in Auckland to reach Pacific Cup final

ABC  

Tonga has reigned supreme in one of the greatest rugby league Test matches of all time, holding on to beat New Zealand 25-24 and qualify for its first-ever tier-one final. New Zealand 24-25 Tonga New Zealand Tries: Papali'i 36', Kini 51', Crossland 59', Tapine 67' Goals: Isaako 37', 52', 60', 69' Tonga Tries: S. Katoa 3', Fonua-Blake 23', Havili 27', …

For Australia, Tonga and the Pacific Championships, the best is still yet to come
5 months, 1 week ago

For Australia, Tonga and the Pacific Championships, the best is still yet to come

ABC  

If international rugby league is to become what it promises to be, the best must still be yet to come for both Australia, Tonga and the game itself. Australia's men's side takes down Tonga 18-0 after Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson scores a record six tries as Australia runs 17 past Papua New Guinea to kick off the Pacific Championships. Putting …

Kangaroos beat Tonga in Pacific Championships after Jillaroos' 84-0 win over PNG Orchids
5 months, 1 week ago

Kangaroos beat Tonga in Pacific Championships after Jillaroos' 84-0 win over PNG Orchids

ABC  

The Kangaroos have taken down Tonga 18-0, capping off a blockbuster night for Australia after Jillaroos winger Julia Robinson scored a record six tries during Australia's 84-0 rout of Papua New Guinea to kick off the Pacific Championships. Fri 18 Oct Show all key events Kangaroos and Jillaroos in Pacific Championships openers J By Jon Healy Full-time: Kangaroos 18-0 Tonga …

Fiji wins Pacific Nations Cup after overwhelming Japan in Osaka
6 months ago

Fiji wins Pacific Nations Cup after overwhelming Japan in Osaka

Associated Press  

OSAKA, Japan — Fiji overwhelmed Japan from a 10-10 halftime deadlock to win an energetic Pacific Nations Cup final 41-17 at Hanazono Stadium on Saturday. For the only time in five PNC matches, Fiji conceded points in a second half, less than three minutes from fulltime, to wing Malo Tuitama who scored Japan’s second try. Fiji crossed twice more in …

Japan reaches Pacific Nations Cup final after record win over Samoa
6 months, 1 week ago

Japan reaches Pacific Nations Cup final after record win over Samoa

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Japan beat Samoa by a record 49-27 in an entertaining Pacific Nations Cup semifinal at Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium on Sunday. Lee’s visionary pass then set free wing Malo Tuitama, who was stopped in front of the tryline by Samoa debutant Elisapeta Alofipo. Two Rodney Iona penalties closed the gap to 21-13 and Samoa flanker Izaiha Moore-Aiono was …

Fiji tops US to reach Pacific Nations Cup final
6 months, 1 week ago

Fiji tops US to reach Pacific Nations Cup final

Associated Press  

TOKYO — Fiji stretched its Pacific Nations Cup rugby defense to the final after topping the United States by a hard-fought 22-3 on Saturday. The U.S. started and finished well but wasn’t clinical, while Fiji dominated the second and third quarters to put their first meeting in 10 years beyond doubt in a humid Prince Chichibu Memorial Stadium. Japan and …

Fiji through to Olympic semifinals after thrilling rugby sevens match against Ireland
8 months ago

Fiji through to Olympic semifinals after thrilling rugby sevens match against Ireland

ABC  

Fiji is on track for a third successive Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens after defeating host nation France and then Ireland in the quarterfinal overnight at the Stade de France. Then, this morning, Fiji took on a determined Ireland, which led at halftime and was up 15-7 at one point in the second half before the Pacific Islanders kicked …

Italy wins on its first visit to Tonga to end drought in South Pacific islands
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Italy wins on its first visit to Tonga to end drought in South Pacific islands

Associated Press  

NUKU’ALOFA, Tonga — Italy finally won a rugby test in the South Pacific islands when it beat Tonga 36-14 on its first visit to Nuku’alofa on Friday. The Italians were able to move the ball wider than they did in the loss to Samoa a week ago, and their pressure and scrum earned them five tries to two against a …

Japan edge past Samoa to confirm England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final place
1 year, 5 months ago

Japan edge past Samoa to confirm England’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final place

The Independent  

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Fiji vs Australia result: Brilliant Fiji blow Rugby World Cup wide open with first win over Australia for 69 years
1 year, 6 months ago

Fiji vs Australia result: Brilliant Fiji blow Rugby World Cup wide open with first win over Australia for 69 years

The Independent  

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Fiji beats Australia for the first time in 69 years at Rugby World Cup
1 year, 6 months ago

Fiji beats Australia for the first time in 69 years at Rugby World Cup

Associated Press  

SAINT-ETIENNE, France — Tears of despair one week. Fiji defeated Australia 22-15 for the first time in 69 years and sent a jolt of euphoria through the Rugby World Cup on Sunday. Fiji came to the Rugby World Cup ranked higher than pool rivals Australia and Wales, and would have beaten Wales last weekend with even an ounce of luck. …

New Zealand crushes Fiji in Oceania Olympic qualifying final
1 year, 6 months ago

New Zealand crushes Fiji in Oceania Olympic qualifying final

The Hindu  

Striker Riley Bidois scored five goals as New Zealand swept aside Fiji 9-0 in the final of men’s Oceania Olympic qualifying tournament in Auckland on Saturday. Bidois posted a hat-trick inside the first 20 minutes to set the tournament host up for an effortless win that earns it a berth at next year’s Games in Paris, the 10th team to …

Kangaroos beat Samoa 30-10 in men's Rugby League World Cup final
2 years, 4 months ago

Kangaroos beat Samoa 30-10 in men's Rugby League World Cup final

ABC  

The Kangaroos are world champions for the 12th time, taking down Samoa 30-10 in the Rugby League World Cup final at Old Trafford. The Pacific Islander stars never truly threatened to cause an upset in their first World Cup final, with the Australians boasting too much firepower across the park, as fullback and captain James Tedesco won player-of-the-match honours for …

Samoa's historic win over England in Rugby League World Cup semi-final prompts street parties across the globe
2 years, 4 months ago

Samoa's historic win over England in Rugby League World Cup semi-final prompts street parties across the globe

ABC  

It started in Apia before the roosters crowed. Samoa shocked the world when it defeated host nation England 27-26 at the Rugby League World Cup. Samoa is the first Pacific country to make the final at the Rugby League World Cup. Loading YouTube content Samoa's run to final breaks tradition Joseph Sua'ali'i was tipped to start for Australia, but was …

Samoa see off Tonga to set up World Cup revenge mission against England
2 years, 4 months ago

Samoa see off Tonga to set up World Cup revenge mission against England

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. A clash …

Tonga and Samoa prepare for a call to war, a show of honour and a fight for Rugby League World Cup glory
2 years, 4 months ago

Tonga and Samoa prepare for a call to war, a show of honour and a fight for Rugby League World Cup glory

ABC  

The Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington is about as far from the Pacific Islands as a place can be, but it will soon feel like the centre of the Polynesian universe. On Monday at 12:30am, Tonga will play Samoa for a shot at the World Cup semi-finals and in doing so reignite the most exhilarating rivalry in international rugby league. …

After sneaking past Papua New Guinea, Tonga can't afford another misstep if they're to shake the Rugby League World Cup
2 years, 5 months ago

After sneaking past Papua New Guinea, Tonga can't afford another misstep if they're to shake the Rugby League World Cup

ABC  

In the last World Cup, Tonga was a giant-slayer. Only a fool would take Papua New Guinea lightly – the Kumuls players like to say their jersey is their second skin, and they play with a passion and intensity to make you believe it – but Tonga wasn't supposed to need a miracle try to win. Tonga on the board …

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Fiji defends rugby sevens title with 27-12 win over New Zealand
3 years, 7 months ago

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Fiji defends rugby sevens title with 27-12 win over New Zealand

Firstpost  

The elated Fijians burst into a cappella hymns that boomed around the stadium to celebrate just the second ever Olympic medal for the nation of 890,000 people scattered around more than 330 Pacific islands. Tokyo: Fiji defended their Olympic rugby sevens title with an entertaining 27-12 victory over New Zealand at the Tokyo Stadium on Wednesday. “They won’t be thinking …

A deserving Japan reaches first Rugby World Cup quarterfinal
5 years, 5 months ago

A deserving Japan reaches first Rugby World Cup quarterfinal

Associated Press  

YOKOHAMA, Japan — When Michael Leitch thanked everyone for supporting his team, he meant absolutely everyone in Japan. His team got the chance to play the game that would prove it was a worthy World Cup quarterfinalist, and he inspired them to take it bravely with a 28-21 win over Scotland on Sunday night, about 24 hours after the destructive …

Rugby World Cup 2019: Tonga’s second-half fightback condemns US to pointless exit
5 years, 5 months ago

Rugby World Cup 2019: Tonga’s second-half fightback condemns US to pointless exit

The Independent  

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Rugby World Cup 2019: Japan deliver more fireworks to close in on quarter-final berth
5 years, 5 months ago

Rugby World Cup 2019: Japan deliver more fireworks to close in on quarter-final berth

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. When Kazuki …

Japan 38-19 Samoa: Kotaro Matsushima scores injury-time bonus try as hosts close on quarter-finals
5 years, 5 months ago

Japan 38-19 Samoa: Kotaro Matsushima scores injury-time bonus try as hosts close on quarter-finals

Daily Mail  

Kotaro Matsushima scored a bonus-point try deep into injury time as Japan moved to the brink of their first Rugby World Cup quarter-final with a 38-19 Pool A victory over Samoa at the City of Toyota Stadium on Saturday. Kotaro Matsushima scored a bonus-point try in injury-time in Japan's 38-19 win over Samoa Yu Tamura scored four penalties and two …

Rugby World Cup 2019: Australia battle back to beat Fiji 39-21
5 years, 6 months ago

Rugby World Cup 2019: Australia battle back to beat Fiji 39-21

The Independent  

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Rugby World Cup hosts Japan beat stubborn Russia thanks to Kotaro Matsushima hat-trick
5 years, 6 months ago

Rugby World Cup hosts Japan beat stubborn Russia thanks to Kotaro Matsushima hat-trick

The Telegraph  

Never mind concerns about Japan’s ability to host a Rugby World Cup. That is Japan’s stated goal, to transcend their plucky underdog tag of Brighton four years ago and have enough poise, enough punch and enough precision to trouble the likes of Ireland or Scotland later in the pool, to make the miraculous of 2015 into the norm of 2019. …

Rugby World Cup – Tonga profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, prediction and odds
5 years, 6 months ago

Rugby World Cup – Tonga profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, prediction and odds

The Independent  

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England withstand late Tonga surge to reach first World Cup final in 22 years
7 years, 4 months ago

England withstand late Tonga surge to reach first World Cup final in 22 years

The Independent  

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New Zealand 2-4 Fiji: Kiwis crash out of World Cup
7 years, 4 months ago

New Zealand 2-4 Fiji: Kiwis crash out of World Cup

Daily Mail  

New Zealand are out of the World Cup after Fiji edged a try-less game to book a World Cup semi-final date with Australia. Danny Levi and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck look distraught after being knocked out by Fiji The final whistle sparked wild celebrations from the Fiji players as their win was confirmed Jarryd Hayne shows his emotions as he embraces two …

Rugby League World Cup: Fiji edge New Zealand to set up semi-final with Australia
7 years, 4 months ago

Rugby League World Cup: Fiji edge New Zealand to set up semi-final with Australia

The Independent  

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Rugby League World Cup: Fiji stun New Zealand in quarter-finals
7 years, 4 months ago

Rugby League World Cup: Fiji stun New Zealand in quarter-finals

ABC  

Fiji have ended a miserable New Zealand run at the Rugby League World Cup, downing the Kiwis 4-2 in a gritty quarter-final upset in Wellington. Fiji's defence, largely untested during an unbeaten pool run, was never really pressured in the first 40 minutes, the Kiwis their own worst enemies with a succession of handling errors and missed tackles. A Johnson …

Tonga stun New Zealand with dramatic comeback to seal World Cup quarter-final date with Lebanon
7 years, 4 months ago

Tonga stun New Zealand with dramatic comeback to seal World Cup quarter-final date with Lebanon

The Independent  

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New Zealand vs Tonga preview: What times does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?
9 years, 5 months ago

New Zealand vs Tonga preview: What times does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

The Independent  

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Pacific Games 2015: New Zealand and Fiji head for Olympic soccer showdown in Papua New Guinea
9 years, 8 months ago

Pacific Games 2015: New Zealand and Fiji head for Olympic soccer showdown in Papua New Guinea

ABC  

After a day of dramas and downpours, the New Zealand All-Whites and Fiji are the last teams standing in the Olympic soccer competition being played out at the Pacific Games in Port Moresby. Try as they might, PNG couldn't find a way back and at the final whistle some of their players collapsed in disappointment as the Olympic dream was …

Fiji takes 1st points on road to Rio, seeks funds
10 years, 5 months ago

Fiji takes 1st points on road to Rio, seeks funds

Associated Press  

GOLD COAST, Australia — Fiji took first honors on rugby’s road to the Rio Olympics, holding off Samoa 31-24 in a final of shifting momentum Sunday at the Gold Coast sevens when Jasa Veremalua put the result beyond doubt in the dying seconds. “And that isn’t a joke, by the way.” Teams such as Fiji and Samoa operate on a …

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