Japan claims Adelaide Sevens Shield [1]
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 - 16:04. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
JAPAN beat Tonga 22-5 in the final for the Shield at the 2011 Adelaide Sevens on April 3.
Tonga put the first points on the scoreboard and was leading for a little while until Japan scored five tries in a row, by Lepuha Latu'ila, Shuetsu Narita, Pohiva Loto'ahea and Lote Tuqiri to claim the shield.
In the semi final game for the Shield between Tonga and Papua New Guinea, the scores were tied 19-19 at the end of the normal time before Sailosi Palei crossed the line for a try and Tonga snatched the victory.
Tonga was in Pool C, together with Fiji, Australia and USA.
Tonga lost all its pool games, to the USA 24-12, to Fiji 33-14, and to Australia 40-14.
New Zealand is leading the sixth leg of the 2010/11 HSBC Sevens World Series, after beating South Africa 28-20 in the 2011 International Rugby Sevens Adelaide Cup final.
It was New Zealand's fourth cup win of the season and they are leading the World Series by 134 points, followed by England with 121, Samoa 100, South Africa 92 and Fiji 90.
The Tonga National Sevens team for Adelaide:
Jack Ram (Captain)
Sione Vaiomo'unga
Paula Kata
Fangatapu 'Apikotoa
Sosaia Palei
Etueni Siua
Samisoni Hafoka
Reserves
Siosiua Ma'afu
Seilame Tukuafu
Joseph Andy Lui
Aisea Fisilau
Fonua Tonga
Coach: Siua Taumalolo
Manager: 'Eva Mafi
Physio: Kristy Latu