JAPAN edged passed the 'Ikale Tahi to become the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup Champion after defeating Fiji 24-13 on July 13 at Lautoka, Fiji.

The 'Ikale Tahi defeated the Manu Samoa earlier in the day at the same venue 29-19.

The Japan versus the Flying Fijians game was the last of the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup tournament, which left Tonga and Japan at the top of the table with two victories each, while Fiji and Samoa tied at second place one victory each.

In the first round of the tournament the Manu Samoa defeated Japan 34-15, while the 'Ikale Tahi thrashed the Flying Fijians 45-21.

In the Second Round Japan defeated the 'Ikale Tahi 28-27 and the Flying Fijians defeated the Manu Samoa 36-18.

At the end of the Second Round the 'Ikale Tahi led the score table with six points while the other three teams tied in second place with five points each.

After yesterday's final round which resulted in both the 'Ikale Tahi and Japan winning two and losing two games each, and according to the official score board Japan earned five point for their victory while the 'Ikale Tahi was awarded only four points inorder for the two teams to tie at 10 points each.

Strange, but according to officials because Japan beat the 'Ikale Tahi by one point 27-28 in the earlier match it meant that Japan won the tournament.

Coach

Coach of the 'Ikale Tahi, 'Isitolo Maka, was reluctant to make a comment, but stated that they were only informed on Tuesday, the day before the final games that if Japan beat Fiji and tied with the 'Ikale Tahi two victory each Japan would win the tournament because they beat the 'Ikale Tahi earlier. 'Isitolo said that until then their calculation based on points and the number of tries scored had showed the 'Ikale Tahi could be the winner even if Japan beat Fiji.

'Isitolo insisted that the matter is all over, and he did not want to contest the decision, as far as he is concerned the Pacific Nations Cup is all over and he is concentrating in getting his teams ready for two more test games against the Flying Fijians before the World Cup.

Meanwhile, the Federation of Oceania Rugby Unions FORU the regional governing body for rugby Oceania provided the clarification.

"Where teams have finished level on Competition Points on the points table, the winner of the Match in which the two tied Teams played each other during the Tournament is the higher ranked."

The final round in yesterday's match saw Tonga beat Samoa 29-19 but the 'Ikale Tahi did not secure a bonus point and opened the way for Japan to win the cup.