They got their tournament off to the perfect start in Aorai Tini Hau, Papeete, when Heirauaril Salem scored after just four minutes.

Vanuatu found their feet in the match as they sought to counter-attack but as the second half began Tahiti doubled their lead through Patrick Tepa.

Teari Labaste fired home a penalty for 3-0 moments later before a scissors-kick effort from Salem underlined the hosts' dominance.

Tepa added a fifth before Vanuatu got on the scoresheet, Loic Boulet striking a free kick to reduce the arrears.

It was 6-2 after Gervais Chan Kat for Tahiti and Vanuatuan star Octav Meltecoin scored from the spot.

A perfect start for the Tiki Toa was rounded off by captain Li Fung Kee and Arihau Teriitau.

Solomon Islands got their Nations Cup defence off to a good start with a 2-0 victory against New Caledonia.

The sides had met in the last Nations Cup final back in 2013, when the Solomon Islands cruised to a 6-0 win to take the trophy.

New Caledonia goalkeeper Rocky Nyikeine pulled off a number of early saves as he frustrated the Bilikiki and the first-half ended goalless.

Defender Roy Mafane broke the deadlock and debutante Max Fa'ari Ade doubled the Solomon Islands lead.

Georges Wakanumune squandered a chance to get New Caledonia back into the match as the Solomon Islands took an opening victory.

Tomorrow Vanuatu will face the Solomon Islands as Tonga make their debut against Tahiti.

The host nation were World Cup runners-up in both 2015 and 2017.