‘Ikale Tahi defeat Romania 25 – 20 [1]
Monday, November 27, 2017 - 17:48. Updated on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 - 09:41.
Tonga's ‘Ikale Tahi defeated Romania on November 25 in the Romanian capital, Bucharest. The game is the last fixture of the ‘Ikale Tahi’s end-of-year tour to Europe.
The ‘Ikale Tahi scored three tries in the game and were leading at half-time 8 – 6. In the first half, Romania were leading 6 – 3 before full back ‘Atieli Pakalani scored a try for Tonga a minute after halftime.
Early in the second-half, lock forward Leva Fifita scored Tonga’s second try to extend the lead to 15 – 6. Romania responded shortly after with a try in the 54th minute with a try to Romanian flyhalf Florin Surugiu to close the gap to shorten the Tonga’s lead 13 – 15.
In the 57th minute, fullback Fetuli Paea was yellow carded for a high tackle. Less than two minutes after the yellow card the ‘Ikale Tahi scored its third try in the form of their new 22-year-old flyhalf George Taina. Romania responded quickly with a try in the 62nd minute, however the ‘Ikale Tahi maintained its lead until the final whistle and converted a penalty goal in extra-time.