Vainikolo at the double

By Mark Stevens

Exeter Chiefs newcomer Fetu'u Vainikolo scored two tries as Tonga defeated Japan 27-17 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama.

The talented winger - signed from Connacht ahead of next season - scored Tonga's opening two tries as they stormed into a 12-0 lead.

Takeshi Kizu ran in a try in the 20th minute to give the hosts some life but a try by Will Helu and a penalty and conversion by Apikotoa allowed Tongo to head into the break with a 22-5 lead.

Male Sa'u scored Japan's second try a minute after the break but Eddie Aholelei grabbed Tonga's fourth minutes later to complete the scoring for the visitors.

Hendrik Tui scored Japan's third try in the 62nd minute, converted by Ayumu Goromaru, but Tonga's defence maintained the 10-point lead.