The ‘Ikale Tahi ended its campaign in the Pacific Nations Cup tournament on high with a convincing victory over Japan’s Brave Blossoms, 31-20 at Swanguard Stadium, Burnaby, British Colombia, Canada this morning, 4 August (Tongan time).

The win put the ‘Ikale Tahi in third place and the Brave Blossoms in fourth.

In the first half Halani ‘Aulika scored the first try for the ‘Ikale Tahi and the Brave Blossoms responded immediately with a try of their own.

At the end of the first half Tonga was leading by 16-11. The ‘Ikale Tahi’s points came from Halani’s try and goal conversions by Kurt Morath.

Early in the second half the Brave Blossoms took the lead 17-16 with two penalty conversions, but then the ‘Ikale Tahi took control of the game during the final 30 minutes after a try by Fetu’u Vainikolo and a try by Sonatane Takulua in the final minute of the game.

In the other final matches played today on the same ground the American Eagles  beat Canada 15-13  and the Flying Fijians beat the Manu Samoa 39-29.

The next World Cup warm-up game for the ‘Ikale Tahi will be in Nottingham, UK on 28 August.