pnc match preview AWS
PNC MATCH PREVIEW
V
Tonga
Japan
Saturday 9th July 2011, KO: 12:40 National Stadium, Suva
Headlines
2011 PNC Records
•
>> Points
• • • • • • • • •
HIROTOKI ONOZAWA will go joint second with Takeomi Ito on the all time caps list when he starts. On 62 caps they have some way to go to catch the all time record holder of Yukio Motoki on 79. Japan snatched a late victory in last year’s match between the two sides, when they were awarded a penalty try to give them a dramatic 26-23 win. Japan have won six of the 11 matches played against Tonga since 1990. Tonga had lost their last seven matches in the competition before last weekend’s 45-21 win over Fiji. Both sides have only won five out of 22 matches played in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Four of Tonga’s wins have come against the Fijians. Japan’s fly half, JAMES ARLIDGE, is the second highest points scorer in PNC history on 88 and is 10 points behind TANIELA RAWAQA of Fiji. He needs 12 points to become the first player in PNC history to break the 100 points barrier. Tonga full back VUNGAKOTO LILO has scored seven tries in the PNC, he needs one more to go second in the all time list behind Hosea Gear who is on 11 tries. SHAUN WEBB needs eight more points to reach 200 in test match history in his 28th match and would become the sixth player to reach that landmark for Japan. KURT MORATH needs 11 more points to reach 100 in test matches. He kicked 20 points for Tonga in last weekend’s win over Fiji. HISATERU HIRASHIMA is the only player in the Japanese starting line up who has not scored a test match try.
Let’s get physical
•
20 14 11
Player Kurt Morath
Tonga
James So’oialo
Samoa
Nicky Little
Fiji
>> Tries Tries 2 1
Player Alesana Tuilagi
Samoa
10 Players
All Time PNC Records >> Points Points
Average Height (cm)
Average Height of Pack
Players 185 cm or taller
Average Weight (kg)
Average Weight of Pack
98
Team
Average Age of Starting XV
Japan
29 years 1 month
184
186
9
99
107
8
Tonga
28 years 2 months
187
188
9
104
114
9
Players 100 kg +
88 75
Tonga have a seven kg per man weight advantage in the scrum and a two cm average height advantage in the line out.
The tall guys •
Points
Tonga lock forward JOSEPH TUINEAU is the tallest player on the pitch at 203 cm (6ft 7ins), which is seven centimetres above Japan’s JUSTIN IVES, who stands at 196 cm.
Player Taniela Rawaqa
Fiji
James Arlidge
Japan
Pierre Hola
Tonga
>> Tries Tries 11
Player Hosea Gear
Junior All Blacks / New Zealand Maori
7
Anthony Tuitavake
7
Lachie Turner
7
Vungakoto Lilo
Junior All Blacks Australia A Tonga
Heavyweight division • •
The combined weight of the Tonga pack is 909 kg, which is 55 kg heavier than their Japanese opponents in the scrum. Japan’s heaviest man is tighthead prop KENSUKE HATAKEYAMA, who weighs in at 122 kg (19st 3lbs). Tonga’s biggest player is their lock forward JOSEPH TUINEAU at 120 kg (18st 13lbs).
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 1
Tonga
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Japan
PNC Facts & Figures IRB Pacific Nations Cup Experience
IRB Pacific Nations Cup Facts and figures
•
•
• •
• • •
•
Japan have 129 starting appearances between them with 38 wins and 91 defeats. JAMES ARLIDGE is the second highest points scorer in PNC history on 88 and is 10 points behind TANIELA RAWAQA of Fiji. Captain TAKASHI KIKUTANI and right wing KOSUKE ENDO have the most starting appearances with 14 each and have both been on the winning side four times. Both players have scored a try against Tonga in the competition – KIKUTANI in a 35-13 win in 2008 and ENDO in a 20-17 victory in 2007. Full back SHAUN WEBB has scored three tries against Tonga in two starting appearances in PNC competition. Prop KENSUKE HATAKEYAMA scored a try for Japan against Tonga in last year’s 26-23 victory. Tonga’s line up has 54 starting appearances between them, with 20 wins and 34 defeats. Full back VUNGAKOTO LILO is their most experienced IRB Pacific Nations Cup player, with 14 starting appearances and two wins. LILO scored a try against Japan in a 20-17 defeat in 2007. Tonga’s only other try scorer against Japan in this competition is lock forward KELEKOLIO PAINO HEHEA, who scored in the 57-16 win in 2006.
The man in the middle •
PETER FITZGIBBON of Ireland takes charge of this match, his third in the PNC and his third involving Tonga. He officiated in their 24-23 defeat to Samoa and their 41-38 defeat to Fiji in 2010, a match that saw ten tries scored and yellow cards to two Tongan players.
•
There have been 2,893 points scored in IRB Pacific Nations Cup history in 58 matches at an average of 49.9 per game. There have been 369 tries in total, an average of 6.36 per match.
Japan: • • • • • •
Kicked 41 penalties, which is four more than any other team. The most points in a Japan match was 87 against New Zealand Maori in 2008, when they were beaten 65-22. The least points in a Japan match was 16 against Samoa in 2007, when they lost 13-3. The only side to kick more than one drop goal in the history of the tournament, with three in total. The only side to have conceded over 100 tries in PNC competition – 110 in total. RYAN NICHOLAS has scored 49 points in PNC competition, including two tries which both came in a 31-23 win over Samoa last year.
Tonga: • • • • • • •
Conceded 132 points to penalties, the highest of any team. The most points in a Tonga match was 97 against Australia A in 2008, which also marked their heaviest defeat as they lost 90-7. The least points in a Tonga match was 29 against New Zealand Maori in 2008, when they lost 20-9. Have received 16 yellow cards in their 22 PNC matches, nine more than any other team. Have collected six losing bonus points in total, two more than any other side. VUNGAKOTO LILO has scored 49 points in PNC competition, including seven tries. HUDSON TONGA’UIHA will equal the Tongan record of 17 appearances in PNC history if he comes on currently held by Nili Latu. Sunia Koto holds the all time record having played in 18 PNC matches.
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 2
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Tonga
Japan
Team Sheets 15 Vungakoto Lilo (C)
TONGA IRB RANKING: 12 Test #: 228
Replacements
Bègles-Bordeaux
14
13
12
11
William Helu
Alaska Taufa
Andrew Mailei
Vili Iongi
Taranaki
Akita
Bègles-Bordeaux
Brumby Runners
10
9
Kurt Morath
Samisoni Fisilau
Eastern Suburbs
Counties Manukau
Key Stats
8 Sione Maake Kalamafoni Nottingham
6 Lisiate Fa’aoso
7
5
Sporting Union Agen
Kelekolio Paino Hehea
Southland
Lyon Olimp. Univ.
2
# Caps Starting Lineup: 116 Avg Age Starting Lineup: 27 Oldest Player: Ephraim Taukafa (35) Youngest Player: Vili Iongi (21) Avg Weight Forwards: 113 kg
Viliami Ma’afu
4
Joseph Tuineau
3
16 Aloisio Ilaisa Ma’asi (Counties Manukau) 17 Maleko Latu (Marist) 18 Tukulua Lokotui () 19 Sione Vaiomounga (Toloa OB) 20 Soane Havea (Marist) 21 Hudson Tonga’uiha (London Welsh) 22 Mateo Malupo (Marist)
Mitsubishi
Officials
Sila Puafisi
Ephraim Taukafa
Fakaanaua ki Alisona Taumalolo
Sila Pelu Ua
Lyon Olimp. Univ.
Hawke’s Bay
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland) - 10 Tests
1
Tests at Venue: 0 Tests Tonga: 2 Tests Japan: 2 Tests Test Debut: 18/03/2006 - Portugal v Romania
Assistant Referee 1: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
1
2
Hisateru Hirashima
Yusuke Aoki
Kensuke Hatakeyama
Kobe Steel
Suntory Sungoliath
Suntory Sungoliath
4 6 Takashi Kikutani (C)
Assistant Referee 2: James Bolabiu (Fiji)
3
5
Justin Ives
Luke Thompson
Panasonic Wild Knights
Kintetsu Liners
Toyota Motor Verblitz
7 Michael Leitch Toshiba Brave Lupus
8 Ryu Holani
16 Shota Horie (Panasonic Wild Knights) 17 Naoki Kawamata (Panasonic Wild Knights) 18 Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus) 19 Itaru Taniguchi (Kobe Steel) 20 Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath) 21 Go Aruga (Suntory Sungoliath) 22 Takehisa Usuzuki (Toshiba Brave Lupus)
Panasonic Wild Knights
9
10
Fumiaki Tanaka
James Arlidge
Panasonic Wild Knights
Nottingham
11
12
Replacements
13
14
Hirotoki Onozawa
Ryan Nicholas
Koji Taira
Kosuke Endo
Suntory Sungoliath
Suntory Sungoliath
Suntory Sungoliath
Toyota Motor Verblitz
15 Shaun Webb
Key Stats # Caps Starting Lineup: 398 Avg Age Starting Lineup: 29 Oldest Player: Hirotoki Onozawa (33) Youngest Player: Michael Leitch (22) Avg Weight Forwards: 106 kg
Coca Cola West Red Sparks JAPAN IRB RANKING: 15 Test #: 266
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 3
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Tonga
Japan
Head to Head Recent Results Date
Team A
Result
Team B
Venue
26/06/2010
Japan
26
23
Tonga
Apia
27/06/2009
Tonga
19
21
Japan
Lautoka
15/06/2008
Japan
35
13
Tonga
Sendai
02/06/2007
Tonga
17
20
Japan
Coffs Harbour
04/06/2006
Japan
16
57
Tonga
Fukuoka
Summary Tonga 5
11 Matches (0 Draw)
Japan
Won
6
300
Points
276
40
Tries
27
22
Conversions
13
19
Penalties
37
0
Drop Goals
0
Player Records For Tonga against Japan Tevita Taumoepeau - 5 Pierre Hola - 40 2 Players - 3 Pierre Hola - 10 Sateki Tu’ipulotu - 6 -
For Japan against Tonga Appearances
4 - 6 Players
Points
40 - Keiji Hirose
Tries
3 - Shaun Webb
Conversions
4 - Toru Kurihara
Penalties
11 - Keiji Hirose
Drop Goals
-
Player Records in a Match For Tonga against Japan
For Japan against Tonga
On 2 Occasions - 17
Points
On 3 Occasions - 2
Tries
2 - On 2 Occasions
Conversions
2 - On 4 Occasions
Pierre Hola on 26/05/2002 - 4 Sateki Tu’ipulotu on 19/02/1995 - 4 -
34 - Keiji Hirose on 08/05/1999
Penalties
9 - Keiji Hirose on 08/05/1999
Drop Goals
-
Team Records in a Match For Tonga against Japan
For Japan against Tonga
On 04/06/2006 - 57
Points
44 - On 08/05/1999
On 04/06/2006 - 8
Tries
5 - On 26/05/2002
On 2 Occasions - 4
Conversions
2 - On 4 Occasions
On 2 Occasions - 4
Penalties
9 - On 08/05/1999
-
Drop Goals
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
-
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 4
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Tonga
Recent Matches
Head Coach: Isitolo Maka Debut: Winning Ratio: Average Tries per Match:
28/11/2009 v Portugal (W 24-19) 50.00% 3.50
Tonga Record Under Isitolo Maka 3 Lost
Date
Opponent
Result
Venue
02/07/2011
Fiji
W
45
21
Lautoka
08/06/2011
USA
W
44
13
Hersham
29/09/2010
Chile
W
32
30
Santiago
26/06/2010
Japan
L
23
26
Apia
19/06/2010
Fiji
L
38
41
Apia
3 Wins
0 Drawn
197 For
Points
144 Against
21 For
Tries
14 Against
19 For
Conversions
13 Against
Points For
182
18 For
Penalties
14 Against
Points Ag
131
0 For
Drop Goals
2 Against
Tries For
21
Tries Ag
12
Player Info For Tonga Player Fakaanaua Taumalolo Ephraim Taukafa Sila Puafisi Kelekolio Paino Hehea Joseph Tuineau Lisiate Fa’aoso Viliami Ma’afu Sione Maake Kalamafoni Samisoni Fisilau Kurt Morath Vili Iongi Andrew Mailei Alaska Taufa William Helu Vungakoto Lilo (C) Aloisio Ilaisa Ma’asi Maleko Latu Tukulua Lokotui Sione Vaiomounga Soane Havea Hudson Tonga’uiha Mateo Malupo
Pos
Age
Debut
Caps
Caps as Sub
Caps v Opponent
Won
Drawn
Lost
Points
Tries
Cons
Pens
DGs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
29 35 23 32 29 28 29 23 23 26 21 32 27 25 28
02/07/2011 30/11/2002 04/06/2006 02/07/2011 29/05/2004 08/06/2011 10/02/2007 12/06/2010 28/11/2009 08/06/2011 26/05/2002 12/06/2010 19/06/2010 10/02/2007
1 27 0 13 1 10 1 10 4 6 2 15 4 4 18
0 12 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 1
0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4
1 13 0 9 1 3 1 3 1 3 2 6 1 2 6
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 14 0 4 0 7 0 7 3 3 0 9 3 2 12
5 30 0 10 0 5 0 10 0 89 25 40 10 5 52
1 6 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 5 5 2 1 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 0 3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 3 0 0 4
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total
116
21
14
52
0
64
281
33
22
24
0
13/06/2009
4 0 2 5 26 22 2
1 0 1 3 7 7 0
1 0 0 1 2 4 0
1 0 1 2 10 7 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 0 1 3 16 15 1
5 0 0 5 0 25 0
1 0 0 1 0 5 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
29 23 31 22 29 27 23
17/11/2001 28/11/2009 16/06/2000 25/06/2005 23/06/2009
Records For Tonga Caps
Tries
Points
41 - ‘Elisi Vunipola
12 - Siua Taumalolo
289 - Pierre Hola
38 - Benhur Kivalu
11 - Fepikou Tatafu
190 - Sateki Tu’ipulotu
37 - Pierre Hola
10 - Benhur Kivalu
108 - Siua Taumalolo
Player Records (In a Match)
Team Records (In a Match)
Points:
39 - Pierre Hola v Korea on 21/03/2003
Points:
119 v Korea on 21/03/2003
Tries:
5 - Benhur Kivalu v Korea on 21/03/2003
Tries:
17 v Korea on 21/03/2003
Conversions:
17 - Pierre Hola v Korea on 21/03/2003
Conversions:
17 v Korea on 21/03/2003
Penalties:
4 - 6 players
Penalties:
5 on 2 Occasions
Drop Goals:
1 - 8 players
Drop Goals:
1 on 8 Occasions
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 5
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Japan
Recent Matches
Head Coach: John Kirwan Debut: Winning Ratio: Average Tries per Match:
25/11/2006 v Korea (W 54-0) 61.70% 6.23
Date
Opponent
02/07/2011
Samoa
L
15
34
Tokyo
21/05/2011
Sri Lanka
W
90
13
Colombo
17 Lost
13/05/2011
United Arab Emirates
W
111
0
Dubai
Japan Record Under John Kirwan
Result
Venue
29 Wins
1 Drawn
2056 For
Points
1075 Against
07/05/2011
Kazakhstan
W
61
0
Bangkok
293 For
Tries
140 Against
30/04/2011
Hong Kong
W
45
22
Hong Kong
216 For
Conversions
96 Against
51 For
Penalties
59 Against
2 For
Drop Goals
2 Against
Points For
322
Points Ag
69
Tries For
49
Tries Ag
8
Player Info For Japan Player Hisateru Hirashima Yusuke Aoki Kensuke Hatakeyama Justin Ives Luke Thompson Takashi Kikutani (C) Michael Leitch Ryu Holani Fumiaki Tanaka James Arlidge Hirotoki Onozawa Ryan Nicholas Koji Taira Kosuke Endo Shaun Webb Shota Horie Naoki Kawamata Hitoshi Ono Itaru Taniguchi Atsushi Hiwasa Go Aruga Takehisa Usuzuki
Pos
Age
Debut
Caps
Caps as Sub
Caps v Opponent
Won
Drawn
Lost
Points
Tries
Cons
Pens
DGs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
28 28 25 27 30 31 22 29 26 31 33 32 28 30 29
16/11/2008 22/04/2007 16/11/2008 30/04/2011 29/04/2007 05/11/2005 16/11/2008 10/05/2008 03/05/2008 22/04/2007 17/06/2001 26/04/2008 22/04/2007 04/07/2004 03/05/2008
22 19 19 5 31 40 15 17 26 27 61 28 25 36 27
4 4 2 3 6 5 4 2 5 9 7 0 3 1 6
2 2 2 0 3 4 1 1 3 3 4 3 1 4 3
16 10 14 4 17 26 12 10 18 18 31 19 12 18 20
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0
6 9 5 1 13 14 3 7 8 9 28 9 12 17 7
0 5 25 10 35 105 20 45 30 233 210 187 45 80 192
0 1 5 2 7 21 4 9 6 6 42 8 9 16 19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 67 0 54 0 0 41
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 13 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Total
398
61
36
245
5
148
1222
155
162
39
2
15/11/2009 22/11/2008 16/05/2004 06/11/2010 30/04/2011 18/11/2006 13/05/2011
10 14 48 4 3 15 3
1 8 7 2 1 6 0
1 1 4 0 0 0 0
8 12 27 3 2 9 2
0 0 2 0 0 1 0
2 2 19 1 1 5 1
15 5 40 0 0 64 30
3 1 8 0 0 8 6
0 0 0 0 0 12 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
25 25 33 26 24 27 25
Records For Japan Caps
Tries
Points
79 - Yukio Motoki
69 - Daisuke Ohata
413 - Keiji Hirose
62 - Takeomi Ito
42 - Hirotoki Onozawa
347 - Toru Kurihara
61 - Hirotoki Onozawa
28 - Terunori Masuho
345 - Daisuke Ohata
Player Records (In a Match)
Team Records (In a Match)
Points:
60 - Toru Kurihara v Chinese Taipei on 21/07/2002
Points:
155 v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Tries:
8 - Daisuke Ohata v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Tries:
23 v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Conversions:
15 - Toru Kurihara v Chinese Taipei on 21/07/2002
Conversions:
20 v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Penalties:
9 - Keiji Hirose v Tonga on 08/05/1999
Penalties:
9 v Tonga on 08/05/1999
2 - Kensuke Iwabuchi v Argentina on 15/09/1998
Drop Goals:
2 v Argentina on 15/09/1998
Drop Goals:
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 6
V
Tonga
Japan
Saturday 9th July 2011, KO: 12:40 National Stadium, Suva
Headlines
2011 PNC Records
•
>> Points
• • • • • • • • •
HIROTOKI ONOZAWA will go joint second with Takeomi Ito on the all time caps list when he starts. On 62 caps they have some way to go to catch the all time record holder of Yukio Motoki on 79. Japan snatched a late victory in last year’s match between the two sides, when they were awarded a penalty try to give them a dramatic 26-23 win. Japan have won six of the 11 matches played against Tonga since 1990. Tonga had lost their last seven matches in the competition before last weekend’s 45-21 win over Fiji. Both sides have only won five out of 22 matches played in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup. Four of Tonga’s wins have come against the Fijians. Japan’s fly half, JAMES ARLIDGE, is the second highest points scorer in PNC history on 88 and is 10 points behind TANIELA RAWAQA of Fiji. He needs 12 points to become the first player in PNC history to break the 100 points barrier. Tonga full back VUNGAKOTO LILO has scored seven tries in the PNC, he needs one more to go second in the all time list behind Hosea Gear who is on 11 tries. SHAUN WEBB needs eight more points to reach 200 in test match history in his 28th match and would become the sixth player to reach that landmark for Japan. KURT MORATH needs 11 more points to reach 100 in test matches. He kicked 20 points for Tonga in last weekend’s win over Fiji. HISATERU HIRASHIMA is the only player in the Japanese starting line up who has not scored a test match try.
Let’s get physical
•
20 14 11
Player Kurt Morath
Tonga
James So’oialo
Samoa
Nicky Little
Fiji
>> Tries Tries 2 1
Player Alesana Tuilagi
Samoa
10 Players
All Time PNC Records >> Points Points
Average Height (cm)
Average Height of Pack
Players 185 cm or taller
Average Weight (kg)
Average Weight of Pack
98
Team
Average Age of Starting XV
Japan
29 years 1 month
184
186
9
99
107
8
Tonga
28 years 2 months
187
188
9
104
114
9
Players 100 kg +
88 75
Tonga have a seven kg per man weight advantage in the scrum and a two cm average height advantage in the line out.
The tall guys •
Points
Tonga lock forward JOSEPH TUINEAU is the tallest player on the pitch at 203 cm (6ft 7ins), which is seven centimetres above Japan’s JUSTIN IVES, who stands at 196 cm.
Player Taniela Rawaqa
Fiji
James Arlidge
Japan
Pierre Hola
Tonga
>> Tries Tries 11
Player Hosea Gear
Junior All Blacks / New Zealand Maori
7
Anthony Tuitavake
7
Lachie Turner
7
Vungakoto Lilo
Junior All Blacks Australia A Tonga
Heavyweight division • •
The combined weight of the Tonga pack is 909 kg, which is 55 kg heavier than their Japanese opponents in the scrum. Japan’s heaviest man is tighthead prop KENSUKE HATAKEYAMA, who weighs in at 122 kg (19st 3lbs). Tonga’s biggest player is their lock forward JOSEPH TUINEAU at 120 kg (18st 13lbs).
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 1
Tonga
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Japan
PNC Facts & Figures IRB Pacific Nations Cup Experience
IRB Pacific Nations Cup Facts and figures
•
•
• •
• • •
•
Japan have 129 starting appearances between them with 38 wins and 91 defeats. JAMES ARLIDGE is the second highest points scorer in PNC history on 88 and is 10 points behind TANIELA RAWAQA of Fiji. Captain TAKASHI KIKUTANI and right wing KOSUKE ENDO have the most starting appearances with 14 each and have both been on the winning side four times. Both players have scored a try against Tonga in the competition – KIKUTANI in a 35-13 win in 2008 and ENDO in a 20-17 victory in 2007. Full back SHAUN WEBB has scored three tries against Tonga in two starting appearances in PNC competition. Prop KENSUKE HATAKEYAMA scored a try for Japan against Tonga in last year’s 26-23 victory. Tonga’s line up has 54 starting appearances between them, with 20 wins and 34 defeats. Full back VUNGAKOTO LILO is their most experienced IRB Pacific Nations Cup player, with 14 starting appearances and two wins. LILO scored a try against Japan in a 20-17 defeat in 2007. Tonga’s only other try scorer against Japan in this competition is lock forward KELEKOLIO PAINO HEHEA, who scored in the 57-16 win in 2006.
The man in the middle •
PETER FITZGIBBON of Ireland takes charge of this match, his third in the PNC and his third involving Tonga. He officiated in their 24-23 defeat to Samoa and their 41-38 defeat to Fiji in 2010, a match that saw ten tries scored and yellow cards to two Tongan players.
•
There have been 2,893 points scored in IRB Pacific Nations Cup history in 58 matches at an average of 49.9 per game. There have been 369 tries in total, an average of 6.36 per match.
Japan: • • • • • •
Kicked 41 penalties, which is four more than any other team. The most points in a Japan match was 87 against New Zealand Maori in 2008, when they were beaten 65-22. The least points in a Japan match was 16 against Samoa in 2007, when they lost 13-3. The only side to kick more than one drop goal in the history of the tournament, with three in total. The only side to have conceded over 100 tries in PNC competition – 110 in total. RYAN NICHOLAS has scored 49 points in PNC competition, including two tries which both came in a 31-23 win over Samoa last year.
Tonga: • • • • • • •
Conceded 132 points to penalties, the highest of any team. The most points in a Tonga match was 97 against Australia A in 2008, which also marked their heaviest defeat as they lost 90-7. The least points in a Tonga match was 29 against New Zealand Maori in 2008, when they lost 20-9. Have received 16 yellow cards in their 22 PNC matches, nine more than any other team. Have collected six losing bonus points in total, two more than any other side. VUNGAKOTO LILO has scored 49 points in PNC competition, including seven tries. HUDSON TONGA’UIHA will equal the Tongan record of 17 appearances in PNC history if he comes on currently held by Nili Latu. Sunia Koto holds the all time record having played in 18 PNC matches.
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 2
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Tonga
Japan
Team Sheets 15 Vungakoto Lilo (C)
TONGA IRB RANKING: 12 Test #: 228
Replacements
Bègles-Bordeaux
14
13
12
11
William Helu
Alaska Taufa
Andrew Mailei
Vili Iongi
Taranaki
Akita
Bègles-Bordeaux
Brumby Runners
10
9
Kurt Morath
Samisoni Fisilau
Eastern Suburbs
Counties Manukau
Key Stats
8 Sione Maake Kalamafoni Nottingham
6 Lisiate Fa’aoso
7
5
Sporting Union Agen
Kelekolio Paino Hehea
Southland
Lyon Olimp. Univ.
2
# Caps Starting Lineup: 116 Avg Age Starting Lineup: 27 Oldest Player: Ephraim Taukafa (35) Youngest Player: Vili Iongi (21) Avg Weight Forwards: 113 kg
Viliami Ma’afu
4
Joseph Tuineau
3
16 Aloisio Ilaisa Ma’asi (Counties Manukau) 17 Maleko Latu (Marist) 18 Tukulua Lokotui () 19 Sione Vaiomounga (Toloa OB) 20 Soane Havea (Marist) 21 Hudson Tonga’uiha (London Welsh) 22 Mateo Malupo (Marist)
Mitsubishi
Officials
Sila Puafisi
Ephraim Taukafa
Fakaanaua ki Alisona Taumalolo
Sila Pelu Ua
Lyon Olimp. Univ.
Hawke’s Bay
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland) - 10 Tests
1
Tests at Venue: 0 Tests Tonga: 2 Tests Japan: 2 Tests Test Debut: 18/03/2006 - Portugal v Romania
Assistant Referee 1: Keith Brown (New Zealand)
1
2
Hisateru Hirashima
Yusuke Aoki
Kensuke Hatakeyama
Kobe Steel
Suntory Sungoliath
Suntory Sungoliath
4 6 Takashi Kikutani (C)
Assistant Referee 2: James Bolabiu (Fiji)
3
5
Justin Ives
Luke Thompson
Panasonic Wild Knights
Kintetsu Liners
Toyota Motor Verblitz
7 Michael Leitch Toshiba Brave Lupus
8 Ryu Holani
16 Shota Horie (Panasonic Wild Knights) 17 Naoki Kawamata (Panasonic Wild Knights) 18 Hitoshi Ono (Toshiba Brave Lupus) 19 Itaru Taniguchi (Kobe Steel) 20 Atsushi Hiwasa (Suntory Sungoliath) 21 Go Aruga (Suntory Sungoliath) 22 Takehisa Usuzuki (Toshiba Brave Lupus)
Panasonic Wild Knights
9
10
Fumiaki Tanaka
James Arlidge
Panasonic Wild Knights
Nottingham
11
12
Replacements
13
14
Hirotoki Onozawa
Ryan Nicholas
Koji Taira
Kosuke Endo
Suntory Sungoliath
Suntory Sungoliath
Suntory Sungoliath
Toyota Motor Verblitz
15 Shaun Webb
Key Stats # Caps Starting Lineup: 398 Avg Age Starting Lineup: 29 Oldest Player: Hirotoki Onozawa (33) Youngest Player: Michael Leitch (22) Avg Weight Forwards: 106 kg
Coca Cola West Red Sparks JAPAN IRB RANKING: 15 Test #: 266
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 3
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Tonga
Japan
Head to Head Recent Results Date
Team A
Result
Team B
Venue
26/06/2010
Japan
26
23
Tonga
Apia
27/06/2009
Tonga
19
21
Japan
Lautoka
15/06/2008
Japan
35
13
Tonga
Sendai
02/06/2007
Tonga
17
20
Japan
Coffs Harbour
04/06/2006
Japan
16
57
Tonga
Fukuoka
Summary Tonga 5
11 Matches (0 Draw)
Japan
Won
6
300
Points
276
40
Tries
27
22
Conversions
13
19
Penalties
37
0
Drop Goals
0
Player Records For Tonga against Japan Tevita Taumoepeau - 5 Pierre Hola - 40 2 Players - 3 Pierre Hola - 10 Sateki Tu’ipulotu - 6 -
For Japan against Tonga Appearances
4 - 6 Players
Points
40 - Keiji Hirose
Tries
3 - Shaun Webb
Conversions
4 - Toru Kurihara
Penalties
11 - Keiji Hirose
Drop Goals
-
Player Records in a Match For Tonga against Japan
For Japan against Tonga
On 2 Occasions - 17
Points
On 3 Occasions - 2
Tries
2 - On 2 Occasions
Conversions
2 - On 4 Occasions
Pierre Hola on 26/05/2002 - 4 Sateki Tu’ipulotu on 19/02/1995 - 4 -
34 - Keiji Hirose on 08/05/1999
Penalties
9 - Keiji Hirose on 08/05/1999
Drop Goals
-
Team Records in a Match For Tonga against Japan
For Japan against Tonga
On 04/06/2006 - 57
Points
44 - On 08/05/1999
On 04/06/2006 - 8
Tries
5 - On 26/05/2002
On 2 Occasions - 4
Conversions
2 - On 4 Occasions
On 2 Occasions - 4
Penalties
9 - On 08/05/1999
-
Drop Goals
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
-
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 4
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Tonga
Recent Matches
Head Coach: Isitolo Maka Debut: Winning Ratio: Average Tries per Match:
28/11/2009 v Portugal (W 24-19) 50.00% 3.50
Tonga Record Under Isitolo Maka 3 Lost
Date
Opponent
Result
Venue
02/07/2011
Fiji
W
45
21
Lautoka
08/06/2011
USA
W
44
13
Hersham
29/09/2010
Chile
W
32
30
Santiago
26/06/2010
Japan
L
23
26
Apia
19/06/2010
Fiji
L
38
41
Apia
3 Wins
0 Drawn
197 For
Points
144 Against
21 For
Tries
14 Against
19 For
Conversions
13 Against
Points For
182
18 For
Penalties
14 Against
Points Ag
131
0 For
Drop Goals
2 Against
Tries For
21
Tries Ag
12
Player Info For Tonga Player Fakaanaua Taumalolo Ephraim Taukafa Sila Puafisi Kelekolio Paino Hehea Joseph Tuineau Lisiate Fa’aoso Viliami Ma’afu Sione Maake Kalamafoni Samisoni Fisilau Kurt Morath Vili Iongi Andrew Mailei Alaska Taufa William Helu Vungakoto Lilo (C) Aloisio Ilaisa Ma’asi Maleko Latu Tukulua Lokotui Sione Vaiomounga Soane Havea Hudson Tonga’uiha Mateo Malupo
Pos
Age
Debut
Caps
Caps as Sub
Caps v Opponent
Won
Drawn
Lost
Points
Tries
Cons
Pens
DGs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
29 35 23 32 29 28 29 23 23 26 21 32 27 25 28
02/07/2011 30/11/2002 04/06/2006 02/07/2011 29/05/2004 08/06/2011 10/02/2007 12/06/2010 28/11/2009 08/06/2011 26/05/2002 12/06/2010 19/06/2010 10/02/2007
1 27 0 13 1 10 1 10 4 6 2 15 4 4 18
0 12 0 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 2 0 0 1
0 1 0 1 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 1 4
1 13 0 9 1 3 1 3 1 3 2 6 1 2 6
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 14 0 4 0 7 0 7 3 3 0 9 3 2 12
5 30 0 10 0 5 0 10 0 89 25 40 10 5 52
1 6 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 5 5 2 1 8
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 0 3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 0 3 0 0 4
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total
116
21
14
52
0
64
281
33
22
24
0
13/06/2009
4 0 2 5 26 22 2
1 0 1 3 7 7 0
1 0 0 1 2 4 0
1 0 1 2 10 7 1
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 0 1 3 16 15 1
5 0 0 5 0 25 0
1 0 0 1 0 5 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
29 23 31 22 29 27 23
17/11/2001 28/11/2009 16/06/2000 25/06/2005 23/06/2009
Records For Tonga Caps
Tries
Points
41 - ‘Elisi Vunipola
12 - Siua Taumalolo
289 - Pierre Hola
38 - Benhur Kivalu
11 - Fepikou Tatafu
190 - Sateki Tu’ipulotu
37 - Pierre Hola
10 - Benhur Kivalu
108 - Siua Taumalolo
Player Records (In a Match)
Team Records (In a Match)
Points:
39 - Pierre Hola v Korea on 21/03/2003
Points:
119 v Korea on 21/03/2003
Tries:
5 - Benhur Kivalu v Korea on 21/03/2003
Tries:
17 v Korea on 21/03/2003
Conversions:
17 - Pierre Hola v Korea on 21/03/2003
Conversions:
17 v Korea on 21/03/2003
Penalties:
4 - 6 players
Penalties:
5 on 2 Occasions
Drop Goals:
1 - 8 players
Drop Goals:
1 on 8 Occasions
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 5
Saturday 9th July 2011 KO: 12:40 (GMT) National Stadium, Suva
Japan
Recent Matches
Head Coach: John Kirwan Debut: Winning Ratio: Average Tries per Match:
25/11/2006 v Korea (W 54-0) 61.70% 6.23
Date
Opponent
02/07/2011
Samoa
L
15
34
Tokyo
21/05/2011
Sri Lanka
W
90
13
Colombo
17 Lost
13/05/2011
United Arab Emirates
W
111
0
Dubai
Japan Record Under John Kirwan
Result
Venue
29 Wins
1 Drawn
2056 For
Points
1075 Against
07/05/2011
Kazakhstan
W
61
0
Bangkok
293 For
Tries
140 Against
30/04/2011
Hong Kong
W
45
22
Hong Kong
216 For
Conversions
96 Against
51 For
Penalties
59 Against
2 For
Drop Goals
2 Against
Points For
322
Points Ag
69
Tries For
49
Tries Ag
8
Player Info For Japan Player Hisateru Hirashima Yusuke Aoki Kensuke Hatakeyama Justin Ives Luke Thompson Takashi Kikutani (C) Michael Leitch Ryu Holani Fumiaki Tanaka James Arlidge Hirotoki Onozawa Ryan Nicholas Koji Taira Kosuke Endo Shaun Webb Shota Horie Naoki Kawamata Hitoshi Ono Itaru Taniguchi Atsushi Hiwasa Go Aruga Takehisa Usuzuki
Pos
Age
Debut
Caps
Caps as Sub
Caps v Opponent
Won
Drawn
Lost
Points
Tries
Cons
Pens
DGs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
28 28 25 27 30 31 22 29 26 31 33 32 28 30 29
16/11/2008 22/04/2007 16/11/2008 30/04/2011 29/04/2007 05/11/2005 16/11/2008 10/05/2008 03/05/2008 22/04/2007 17/06/2001 26/04/2008 22/04/2007 04/07/2004 03/05/2008
22 19 19 5 31 40 15 17 26 27 61 28 25 36 27
4 4 2 3 6 5 4 2 5 9 7 0 3 1 6
2 2 2 0 3 4 1 1 3 3 4 3 1 4 3
16 10 14 4 17 26 12 10 18 18 31 19 12 18 20
0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0
6 9 5 1 13 14 3 7 8 9 28 9 12 17 7
0 5 25 10 35 105 20 45 30 233 210 187 45 80 192
0 1 5 2 7 21 4 9 6 6 42 8 9 16 19
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 67 0 54 0 0 41
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 13 0 0 5
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0
Total
398
61
36
245
5
148
1222
155
162
39
2
15/11/2009 22/11/2008 16/05/2004 06/11/2010 30/04/2011 18/11/2006 13/05/2011
10 14 48 4 3 15 3
1 8 7 2 1 6 0
1 1 4 0 0 0 0
8 12 27 3 2 9 2
0 0 2 0 0 1 0
2 2 19 1 1 5 1
15 5 40 0 0 64 30
3 1 8 0 0 8 6
0 0 0 0 0 12 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
25 25 33 26 24 27 25
Records For Japan Caps
Tries
Points
79 - Yukio Motoki
69 - Daisuke Ohata
413 - Keiji Hirose
62 - Takeomi Ito
42 - Hirotoki Onozawa
347 - Toru Kurihara
61 - Hirotoki Onozawa
28 - Terunori Masuho
345 - Daisuke Ohata
Player Records (In a Match)
Team Records (In a Match)
Points:
60 - Toru Kurihara v Chinese Taipei on 21/07/2002
Points:
155 v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Tries:
8 - Daisuke Ohata v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Tries:
23 v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Conversions:
15 - Toru Kurihara v Chinese Taipei on 21/07/2002
Conversions:
20 v Chinese Taipei on 06/07/2002
Penalties:
9 - Keiji Hirose v Tonga on 08/05/1999
Penalties:
9 v Tonga on 08/05/1999
2 - Kensuke Iwabuchi v Argentina on 15/09/1998
Drop Goals:
2 v Argentina on 15/09/1998
Drop Goals:
© International Rugby Board 2009. Data extracted from Rugby Information Management System
(08/07/2011 14:48).
Page 6
