The ‘Ikale Tahi suffered a crushing 41 – 7 defeat to Japan’s Brave Blossoms on Saturday night in Higashiōsaka, Japan in the second round of the Pacific Nations Cup 2019.

Tonga’s only try was scored by lock forward Leva Fifita in the second half. Three of Japan’s five tries were scored by Tongan ex-pats ‘Amanaki Mafi and Asaeli Ai Valu.

In other games of the Pacific Nations Cup, Fiji cruised to an easy 38 – 13 victory over Canada while the United States beat Samoa 13 – 10.

The ‘Ikale Tahi will face Canada this Friday 9 August in Fiji at Churchill Park in Lautoka, with a local kick off time at 15:00 (Tonga time 16:00) in Match 7 of the Pacific Nations Cup 2019

Later this month in the 2019 Men's Internationals 'Ikale Tahi are scheduled to meet the Western Force on August 24.

Then the 'Ikale Tahi meets Fiji in Auckland on Saturday 31 August at Eden Park, with a local kick off time at 15:00 (Tonga time 16:00).

This is followed by their match against New Zealand in Hamilton on Saturday 7 September, at the FMG Stadium, with a local kick off time at 19:30 (Tonga time 15:35).