'Ikale Tahi's wings plucked in Tri-Nations [1]
Friday, July 22, 2005 - 20:30. Updated on Saturday, May 10, 2014 - 18:00.
Story and pictures by Pesi Fonua
The Manu Samoa secured its participation in the 2007 Rugby World Cup by convincingly beating the 'Ikale Tahi 30-19 at the Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa, this afternoon, July 22.
Today's game was the end of the 2005 Tri-nations Rugby Tournament for the 'Ikale Tahi, and it was not a happy ending for the 'Ikale Tahi, who have lost all four matches during the tournament.
'Ikale Tahi lost the first match to Fiji in Suva in June 25, and was beaten by the Manu Samoa 50-28 in Apia on July 2.
The 'Ikale Tahi was beaten again by Fiji at Teufaiva 24-19 on July 16, and then it was beaten again by the Manu Samoa at Teufaiva this afternoon, 30-19.
Being the loser means that Tonga has to play more repechage matches to qualify for the 2007 Rugby World Cup.
First points
It was a cool and sunny afternoon at Teufaiva today, and good for rugby.
The Manu Samoa put the first points on the scoreboard in the 5th minute of the first half with a successful penalty conversion by the Manu Samoa No. 10, Roger Warren. Samoa was leading 3-0.
Two minutes later, a long cut-out pass, the Tonga back-line was intercepted by the Manu No. 11, David Lemi, who ran from about half-way and scored under the posts. It was successfully converted by Roger and the score was 10-0.
The 'Ikale's first point came in the 18th minute from a penalty conversion by the No. 10, Fangatapu 'Apikotoa. Four minutes later Fangatapu converted another penalty and the score was 6-10 for Samoa.
As the 'Ikale Tahi was beginning to put up points on the board, the back-line players were becoming adventurous, and in the 26th minute, the 'Ikale's No. 15, Sila Va'enuku, crossed the line and scored, Fangatapu slotted the conversion and the 'Ikale led 13-10. But it was not for long because six minutes later the Manu's No. 8 Daniel Farani scored, it was converted by Roger, and the Manu Samoa took the lead 17-13.
In the closing minutes of the first half, a Tongan pass went astray and Lome Faatau ran unopposed to the goal-line. It was converted by Roger and at half-time Manu Samoa was leading 24-13.
The 'Ikale Tahi put the first points on the board in the second half when Fangatapu converted a penalty in the 4th minute to narrow the gap 16-24. Fangatapu again in the 22nd minute converted a penalty to further narrow the gap 19-24. If Fangatapu thought he could kick, Roger also could convert penalties, and he converted two more penalties and pushed the Manu Samoa's score up to 30-19 at full time.
This means that Samoa is leading the competition and will meet Fiji next week in the final.