Photos by Martin Bennett / Gloucester Rugby [2]

The Gloucester duo of Tukulua Lokotui (Lock) and Sione Kalamafoni (Blindside) lead the way for 'Ikale Tahi in Gloucester 15 November 2014. Photo Martin Bennett / Gloucester Rugby.

The ‘Ikale Tahi overwhelmed the Unites States Eagles  40 – 12 yesterday, November 15, at a packed Kingsholm Stadium, Gloucester, United Kingdom in the second match of Tonga's successful European tour.

The American Eagles scored the first try of the match. The 'Ikale Tahi was leading 14-12 at the break. 

;In the second-half, however, Tonga scored three tries within six minutes, and a fifth and final try by captain Nili Latu.

Mana 'Otai, the coach of the 'Ikale Tahi said today that there was a slight change to their style of play against the USA Eagles, "We were a bit more direct, whereas against Georgia, we tended to spread out wide". 

He said they made two changes to their team. In the front row Paea Fa'anunu replaced Sila Puafisi, and Sione Lea replaced Siua Halanukonuka on the bench. (Tryscorers: Fetu'u Vainikolo, Viliami Ma'afu, Vunga Lilo, David Halaifonua, Nili Latu).

The 'Ikale Tahi victory over the USA Eagles is their second win of their three-match European tour. Last week they also convincingly beat Georgia 23-9.

The 'Ikale Tahi will play their final game of their Europan tour against Scotland next weekend. The last time the two met in 2012, the Ikale Tahi defeated Scotland 21 – 15 in its third largest city, Aberdeen. The defeat was considered to be an embarrassment and resulted in the resignation of then Scottish Coach, Andy Robinson.This time around it is expected to be the 'Ikale Tahi's toughest game of their European tour. 

During last year's European tour 2013 the 'Ikale Tahi were defeated by Romania, France and Wales.