Fiji and Tonga have drawn 15-15 in the first leg of the Oceania Rugby U20s Trophy in Lautoka.
The home side led 12-9 at halftime at Churchill Park off the back of tries to Apisalome Boginidrau and Poniani Batiniu.
But five penalties from the boot of Nautu'a Masima kept the Kingdom in the game.
Tonga regained the lead in the 62nd minute but Tuidraki Samusamuvodre drew the Fijians level seven minute later in what proved to be the final scoring play.
Tonga Coach Ta'one Bloomfield said that they were aiming to win but a draw was a good result.
"We'll still need to work on Saturday's game and hopefully we will come with a good result."
The second leg is on Saturday with the winner to qualify for the World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in 2018 alongside Samoa, who were relegated following their last place finish at the World Rugby Championship.
Photo: Oceania Rugby. Caption: Fiji and Tonga are competing for a spot in the 2018 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy.