Fiji deliver big finish to push past Tonga in Pacific Nations opener

Fiji came from behind to beat Tonga 30-22 in a bone-jarring Pacific Nations Cup encounter in Suva on Saturday, despite missing two of their star players as they build towards the Rugby World Cup.

In a clash full of direct running and big tackles, Tonga had every chance to beat their island neighbours for the first time since 2011, leading 22-16 going into the final 15 minutes before their high error count caught up with them.

There were three tries apiece with Fiji scoring two of theirs as they controlled the closing stages to make a positive start to the 10th edition of the tournament.

All the pre-match talk had focused on how the hosts would manage without talismanic captain Akapusi Qera and try-scoring machine Nemani Nadolo – both of whom were injured the week before in a warm-up game against the Maori All Blacks.

But when it came to crunch time late on in Suva there was no doubting the resolve of the players on the field.

The Pacific Nations Cup – which also features Samoa, Japan, USA and Canada – is being played under a new format this year with the six teams split into two pools.

Each team will play the three sides in the opposing pool before the top two teams meet to play for the Cup.

The 2015 edition is the main warm-up event for the region's second-tier teams who have qualified for the Rugby World Cup in England and Wales later this year.