Posted at 6:35 a.m., Sunday, June 24, 2007
Rugby: New Zealand tops Japan in Pacific Nations final
Associated Press
TOKYO — Tane Tu'ipulotu and Stephen Brett scored tries early in the second half Sunday as New Zealand's Junior All Blacks defeated Japan 51-3 in the final match of the Pacific Nations Cup.The Junior All Blacks, who defeated Australia A 50-0 a week ago to clinch the title, built up a 10-3 lead at halftime.
Tu'ipulotu widened the lead to 15-3 four minutes after the break and Brett gave the visitors a commanding 20-3 lead two minutes later.
The Kiwis finished the six-nation tournament with a perfect 5-0 record. Japan, coached by former All Black John Kirwan, closed out with a 1-4 record.
Substitute Stephen Donald added his second of two tries just minutes before the whistle to complete the scoring for the visitors.
