Tonga to play U-19 Div B final this week [1]
Monday, April 17, 2006 - 19:03. Updated on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 - 16:16.
Tonga will play Fiji in the final of Division B of the Under-19 Rugby World Championship in Dubai on Thursday, April 20.
Tonga secured a place in the final after beating Italy 24-10, yesterday, April 16, at the Dubai Exiles Stadium. In the other semi-final, Fiji beat Canada 20-13.
Tonga's victory over Italy maintained its unbeaten record since it won its opening game of the tournament on April 4, by beating Chile 24-6. Tonga went on and beat Canada 29-14, Georgia 16-9 and then Italy yesterday 24-10.
According to an IRB report from yesterday's game, Tonga's fly-half Richard Havili scored the first point for Tonga in the final seconds of the first half, after sidestepping and making a 15-metre dash for a converted try, making the score at half-time 10-3.
During the first minute of the second half centre Siosifa Talakai made a 40 metres run for another converted try, extending Tonga's lead to 17-3. Italy responded when their lock Natale Duca crashed over for a converted try, but Tonga sealed its victory when the captain Samisoni Fisilau crossed the line for a converted try and secured Tonga's place in the final.
Tonga's semi-final team -
1, Viliami Pola; 2 Lepaola Taueli; 3 Robert Tevi; 4 David Maka; 5 Michael Tuli; 6 Sione Kalamafoni; 7 Tupou Lutua; 8
Semisi Manuopangai; 9 Samisioni Fisilau (C); 10 Richard Havili; 11 Michael 'Uhatahi; 12 Siosifa Talakai; 13 Sione Faka'osilea; 14 Viliami Hakalo; 15 Sione Pangata'a; 16 Tavite Mafi (R); 17 Sione Lea'aemanu (R); 18 Paula Havea (R); 19 Sione 'Ahofono; 20 Jack Ram; 21 Tevita Ahoafi; 22 Semisi Fotu (R); 23 Falani Vea (R); 24 Talifolau Takau (R); 25 Mavae Tomasi; 26 Fatai Blake (R).