Tonga captain Ben Tameifuna says the team is looking towards the next Rugby World Cup in 2027. Photo: Photosport
Tongan winger John Tapueluelu scored a double as the 'Ikale Tahi claimed their first win in the Pacific Nations Cup series, defeating Canada 30-17 in Tokyo on Saturday night.
The speedster claimed a try in each half of the game at the Prince Chichibu Stadium.
It was a fitting end to the team's PNC campaign this year, the first also for coaches Tevita Tuifu'a and Nili Latu.
The duo took over as new coaches this year and had lost Test matches to Italy, Spain, Fiji and Samoa.
Inspirational captain Ben Tameifuna said it was great to have a win.
"I thank Canada for the game today, we knew it was going to be tough," he said.
"I thank the boys for the win and to get this is a good step as we build up for the RWC2027.
"We are excited, we are looking forward to the future and we have a lot of talent come through. It's an awesome opportunity for the players."
Flyhalf Patrick Pelegrini was named player of the match, following a great game managing the team.
Head coach Tuifu'a said Canada put the team under pressure.
"The third quarter was tough and they had us under pressure and thankful to the boys for sticking to the game and getting the win," he added.
The Tongans led Canada 19-10 at halftime, with three tries to their name.
Those tries came through flanker Siua Moala, winger Tapueluelu and fullback Josiah Unga.
Pelegrini kicked two conversions for the team's first half haul.
Canadian hooker Andrew Quattrin claimed his side's lone first half try, with flyhalf Peter Nelson adding a penalty and a conversion.
Tight second half
Canada turned up more determined in the second half.
They managed to hold the Tongans and deny them scoring any try for 38 minutes.
Canada had Tonga under pressure and won a number of Tongan lineout throws.
They also charged the ball down twice as Tonga tried to clear early in the second half, with Pelegrini and halfback Aisea Halo under pressure with their kicks.
Pelegrini got the first chance to get points with a penalty attempt outside the Canadian 22, raising the flags as Tonga led 22-10.
Canada struck back with outside centre Takoda McMullin picking up from the base of a ruck and running untouched to dive in under the crossbar.
But Pelegrini, with his second penalty, and Tapueluelu, scoring out wide, had the last say as Tonga claimed their first win in the series.
Tonga finished fifth on the PNC standing for 2024.