The flyhalf Kurt Morath kicked 20 points as Tonga upset Fiji 45-21 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday, damaging the home page billing as the top Pacific hope at this year’s Rugby World Cup.

Fiji entered the match as a hot favorite, but started poorly and found themselves down 23-9 and the match almost lost by halftime.

A penalty try helped Tonga to build a 33-9 lead 10 minutes into the second half before the end of Fiji with two tries to reduce the margin to 33-21.

Tonga’s lead briefly looked shaky but it recovered its momentum to score two tries in the last three minutes of the game, through Vilimi Iongi and Alisona Taumalolo, for an emphatic victory.

Fiji, featuring four new caps, scored the first points with a penalty three minutes through Nicky Little, its likely World Cup No. 10.

Tonga responded with a fifth-minute try to lock Samiu Vahafolau, converted by Morath, and was never the headed. Slightly narrower lead to 7-6 with a seventh minute penalty but that was the closest Fiji came.

Morath icked penalties in the minutes 10th and 14th minutes for a 13-6 advantage and a an essay by the Alaska Taufa-converted by Morath, added an additional fine - gave a preview of Tonga in the middle.

A penalty tries in the 43rd minute and another penalty to put Tonga 33-9 ahead Morath. The home team recovered and scored tries through Sekoni Kalou and Malakai Ravulo to cut the lead to 33-21 after 68 minutes.

Ravulo try came when Tonga was reduced to 14 men by the sinbinning of Tonga Taumalolo support.

Japan was due to play Samoa on Saturday night. Tonga, Fiji, Samoa and Japan are playing in the second round of the tournament next week.