Great analysis PD, I wonder whether Japan weren't confident in their goalkicking, their kicker did miss some kicks and maybe they got nervous about losing the ball and opted for the corner. I think Japan waited a little bit too long to start swinging it out wide, I was watching the game and chatting with Shaggy in the first half and we were wondering why they weren't doing that, they also didn't take much advantage of their man advantage when Tonga had a man in the bin.
Attendance was 5,598....not embarrasing but nothing to write home about either, I'll try and find out attendance for Canada's game today(which I'm guessing is around 4,000 considering the small venue).
In fairness one of the conversions was from the corner after a maul. So there was just one relatively simple missed kick. I don't think that should have put him off attempting them, it's not like he missed 3 easy kicks in a row. And as has been mentioned, Goromaru is normally a good over 80% goal kicker, last year he toured Eastern Europe and was hitting nearly all kicks from within 50 metres out.
Agree about Japan swinging it wide as well, they looked better doing that whilst Tonga seemed to be slowing them down and turning them over in the tight. I think a couple of the Japanese forwards got exposed coming from Asian 5 Nations intensity matches, the flanker Broadhurst was a mile off the level of Leitch at the breakdown and physicality. Leitch is probably their best forward he should help with their problems at the breakdown when he returns. Big positives for Japan though was a perfect lineout, and much improved scrum, their replacement wing Kenki Fukuoka also looks to have some serious pace.
They have some good skills and attacking play, but I question their brain power as to when/how to use it. Sometimes it felt they were playing over attacking, at others it felt they were trying to maul to often. I do query the leadership and decision making of the captain and the scrum half. Perhaps Tanaka can improve their speed of the ball out the ruck when he returns.
As for the crowd, that kind of figure is similar to last year and is becoming a bit of a concern for RWC 2019 unless it picks up. They got just under 14,000 for the Top League final, I'm surprised they can't even get near double figures for a national team match against pretty good opposition.
I heard from someone who follows rugby in Japan, that he is really concerned about RWC 2019 attendances, and that it might not just be the Fiji vs Russia type matches that we'll be worrying about, it could be like France vs Samoa level matches that will struggle to sell. The 2019 World Cup will take place at more like 60,000 football grounds, and this took place at a 15,000 ground and they didn't come close to selling out. The JRFU desperately need to kickstart some sort of marketing campaign soon to boost this, their efforts so far to promote the World Cup have been poor. Hopefully they can get a sell out for Wales. Nobody wants to see an empty World Cup.
Tongan boys real happy with the Result. The boys only got together 2 days before the match!! with most of that time spent meeting and a quick captains runs the performance was pretty sharp considering. Tongan Coach Mana Otai has decided to rest a number of players including Soane Tonga'iuha, Sona Taumalolo while others are taking a break with Families Vili Ma'afu and Joe Tuineau. It's something new having a constant player pool of regulars involved in the squad every year which should bring more consistent results for Tonga like Pacific Neighbors Samoa.
In regards to the match good to see Emosi Kauhenga back who was full of strong running. With Mana Otai resting players a few players have put their hand up which would make it hard to select a starting side come November.
Defence coach Dave Ellis certainly has to get some credit for the way he organised the defending. Very impressive, and Japan although not their defence and tight play lets them down, attacking wise they are up there and better than some Tier 1 teams in terms of passing ability, set pieces and wide game.
Nili Latu is one of the most consistent players, he did really well at RWC 2007, then I didn't see him play again until 2012 and he was still as good. Hale T-Pole also had a good game, as did Kauhenga as you said. In the backs, I think Fetu'u Vainikolo again proved himself as a top finisher.
By the way, how come Tonga got reasonable strong side available for a match outside the international window? There were a few missing in the front row, and with Ma'afu. But by and large this was a strong team and had the majority of the team that beat Scotland.
Canada/USA hardly got anybody from European clubs with the likes of MacKenzie (Sale), Wyles (Saracens) all missing despite their seasons being over. But Tonga got Vainikolo (Connacht/Exeter), Piukula (Perpignan) available and Taniela Moa who flew out after playing the Pro D2 final last week.
Checking out the game right now...boy those Pac. Islanders have come a long way the past few years...:
Yes, well two of them. And in both cases it comes from making good advantage of their favourite moan ... New Zealand. They are taking advantage of their close proximity meaning that a large amount of their teams are trained in the NZ rugby system as youths, and also finding lots of New Zealanders of Tongan/Samoan origin to play for them.
