Tonga tops Japan to extend Brave Blossoms' RWC winless streak

September 21, 2011

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WHANGAREI, New Zealand -- Tonga kept alive its chances of reaching the Rugby World Cup quarterfinals by inflicting Japan's 17th straight winless match at the tournament with a 31-18 victory on Sept 21.

The Tongans scored tries through Viliami Ma'afu, Tukulua Lokotui and Fetu'u Vainikolo at Northlands Events Centre to improve to five points in Pool A, five behind leaders New Zealand and France but with a match against the French on Oct. 1.

The win was Tonga's first in six matches against Japan, which still hasn't added to its sole World Cup victory against Zimbabwe in 1991. The team's one victory in 23 matches and 17-match winless streak are both tournament records.

Kensuke Hatakeyama, Michael Leitch and Alisi Tupuailai scored tries for Japan.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Japan's Ryan Nicholas, right, attempts to run past Tonga's Sukanaivalu Hufanga in their Rugby World Cup match in Whangarei, New Zealand, on Sept. 21. (AP)

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