Junior Japan's Tevita Tatafu was the toast of his team's win in Fiji, yesterday after he ran in three tries to help them beat Samoa A 34-31 in the start of the 2017 World Rugby Pacific Challenge (WRPC).
Tatafu scored two tries for the Junior Japan in the first-half which were converted by nippy halfback Naoto Mano, who kicked two penalties that took their scores to 20 points.
Despite being deprived of possession for most of the first-half, Samoa A scored an unconverted try through lanky lock Talaga Alofipo.
Fiji Times reports Samoa A skipper and fly-half, Patrick Faapale kicked three penalties as Japan led 20-14 at half-time.
The Japanese team came out firing in the second half with a try to lock Koji Iino who picked up a loose ball and his try was converted by Mano to extend the lead 27-14.
Samoa A responded through a penalty to skipper Faapale to close the gap 27-17, but Tatafu crossed over for his third which was converted by Mano.
Japan led 34-17.
The Japanese brigade barely held their defence together against a relentless Samoan attack that saw them crashing into the Japanese defensive line time and time again.
Their late resurgence saw them scoring two converted tries through replacement utility back Kaino Fuataga and open-side flanker Mikaele Tapili.
"This was a big challenge for us. No one expected Japan to win, but we have won it and we are very happy," Junior Japan coach Satoru Endo said.
Endo said the result had boosted the team's morale as they prepare to meet defending champion, the Telecom Fiji Warriors next week at the ANZ Stadium in Suva.
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