Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Photo Credit: NRLcom
In what is perhaps Tonga’s greatest sporting achievement, Tonga Invitational XIII defeated Rugby League invincibles Australia in a tightly contested match.
Will Hopoate scored the first try of the game but Australia retaliated with two of their own to lead at halftime 12 – 6.
In the second-half, Tonga Invitational XIII scored two tries in the form of Michael Jennings and Tevita Pangai Junior to lead 16 – 12.
Australia came close numerous times to scoring tries but were held out by fanatical Tongan tackling.
At home in Tonga there are fireworks. On the seafront Vuna Road, car horns were blaring even before the final whistle ended the match, as fans warmed up the celebrations.
- Finau Fonua
