'Ikale Tahi kicks off its European tour with a victory in Italy [1]
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 - 16:55. Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 14:57.
TONGA'S national rugby team, the 'Ikale Tahi kicked off its tour of Europe with a victory over an Italian A outfit, 16-9 on Friday evening, November 19 at Biella, Italy.
Tonga Rugby Union Authority TRUA reported on November 22, that the 'Ikale Tahi started the game very strongly and had 10 points on the score board by the seventh minute with strong runs up the middle, led by No. 8 Samiu Vahafolau.
At half time, the 'Ikale Tahi led with 13-6 after playing some exciting running rugby in the first half. The second half had strong forward play from both sides. The only points scored in the second half was from a field goal by Italy No.10, Kris Burton.
At the end the 'Ikale Tahi won by 16-9, from a try by left wing Viliami Helu which was converted by Samisoni Fisilau who added on nine more points from three converted penalties.
Prior to the game, during a pre-match warm up Kurt Morath, the 'Ikale Tahi starting No. 10 and goal kicker was injured and had to be replaced by Samisoni Fisilau who was to start as halfback. Samisoni then moved out to the first five to replace Kurt, and Soane Havea was brought in from the bench to start as No 9.
Win
'Ikale Tahi Head coach 'Isitolo Maka was happy with the win especially as the starting combination was together for the first time.
He said there were some very positive aspects with the team's play in which the coaching staff will develop further this week leading into this Friday's big match against the French Barbarians.
'Ikale Tahi Captain Finau Maka said he was pleased with their win since the team had only assembled five days prior to the game.
He said it was a really hard match that highlighted the positives in their game plan and a few areas they needed to concentrate on during the week.
Finau who plays his rugby in France with the Aix en Province club is familiar with the Barbarians line up, he described them as an extremely experienced outfit with strength right throughout the team.
"It will be a very tough game but the whole squad knows what to expect and are looking forward to the clash".
'Ikale Tahi meets the French Barbarians at Grenoble on November 26.
'Ikale Tahi team for Friday
1. Tonga Lea'aetoa, Loose Head Prop
2.'Ifalemi Taukafa, Hooker
3. Kisi Pulu, Tight Head Prop
4. Kelekolio Paino Lolohea, Lock
5. 'Emosi Kauhenga, Lock
6. Tukulua Lokotui, Blind Side Flanker
7. Finau Maka Captain, Open Side Flanker
8. Samiu Vahafolau, number 8
9. Samisoni Fisilau, half back
10. Kurt Morath, First five eight
11. Viliami Helu, Left Wing
12. Andrew Ma'ilei, Inside Centre
13. Alaska Taufa, Outside Centre
14. Mateo Malupo, Right Wing
15Vunga Lilo Vice Captain, Full Back
Reserves
16. 'Ilaisa Maasi
17. 'Ofa Fainga'anuku
18. Lisiaate Fa'aoso
19. Ueleni Fono
20. Thomas Palu
21. Soane Havea
22. Kaiongo Tupou.