Dragons RFC ace Fine Inisi grabbed a first half try as Tonga opened their Nations Cup campaign with a win, beating Zimbabwe 36-26 in Denver, Colorado, in the United States, despite a spirited fightback from the Sables.
Missing captain Ben Tameifuna, Tonga led 12-0 at the break after tries from Telusa Veainu and Inisi.
Zimbabwe fought back strongly in the second half to put Tonga under pressure but late tries from hooker Samiuela Moli and Sione Tuipulotu secured an important opening-round victory.
New Dragons signing Anzelo Tuitavuki was also a second half replacement for Tonga.
Tonga will look to build on a winning start next weekend when they face Spain on Saturday (July 11) at 10.45pm UK time at Clarke Stadium in Edmonton, Canada.
