The Junior All Blacks continued New Zealand's domination of Pacific Nations Cup rugby when they came from behind to beat Tonga 47-25 on Thursday to clinch the country's fourth tournament title.
New Zealand's second-string teams have won the competition in every year since its inception in 2006 and the unbeaten Juniors had all but clinched this year's title before their final match was played.
Host Fiji concludes the tournament Friday with a match against Japan, which gives it the chance to finish in second place ahead of Samoa, Japan and winless Tonga.
The Junior All Blacks had to fight back at Suva after trailing 10-0 early and 20-12 at halftime.
Tonga rocked the New Zealanders with its physical approach, forcing them into errors as it took an early lead with a try to Alipate Fatafehi, converted by Pierra Hola, who also kicked a penalty.
The Junior All Blacks scored two tries to briefly lead 12-10 before Hola reclaimed the lead for Tonga with his second penalty goal. A try to Teu'imuli Kaufusi extended Tonga's lead to eight points at halftime and placed the Juniors under heavy pressure.
The New Zealanders responded and led 26-20 before Tonga closed the gap to one point with a try to Mateo Malupo. Fitness and experience told in the last quarter as the Junior All Blacks drew away to what seemed a convincing win.
Former All Blacks winger Hosea Gear scored two tries, including the Juniors' last in the final minute, to finish with eight tries for the tournament.
Final Score Junior All Blacks 47 Tonga 25
Scorers
Junior All Blacks
Tries - Hosea Gear 2, Ryan Crotty, Rene Ranger, Sione Lauaki, Alby Mathewson, Robert Fruean
Con - Stephen Brett 3, Colin Slade 3
Tonga
Tries - Alipate Fatafehi, Teu'imuli Kaufusi, Mateo Malupo tries;
Con - Pierre Hola 2
Pen - Pierre Hola 2
HT: 12-20.
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