Japan’s Brave Blossoms defeated the ‘Ikale Tahi 39 – 6 on November 18 in Toulouse, France. The Brave Blossoms ran in five tries and successfully prevented the ‘Ikale Tahi from scoring any tries.

Japan scored the opening try within the first three minutes of the game, the try scored by winger Lamano Lemeki (of Tongan descent). A few minutes later, ‘Ikale Tahi scrumhalf Sona Takulua converted a penalty to close the gap to 7 – 3. Two more penalty conversions by both teams made the score 10 – 6 in the 21^st minute.

In the 29^th minute, Japan scored its second try in the form of Tongan-born Number 8 ‘Amanaki Mafi. Before half-time, Japan scored a third try and converted penalty to secure a comfortable lead 27 – 6.

In the second-half, Japan kept Tonga scoreless with a staunch defence.  Two more tries by Lemeki and Japanese winger Kenki Fukuoka extended the score to 39 – 6.