By Pesi Fonua

Any hope for Tonga to win a home game during Round Three of the IRB Pacific Cup rugby tournament faded away this afternoon at Teufaiva Stadium when 'Upolu Samoa snatched a 20-19 victory.

So far the two Tongan teams, the Tautahi Gold and the Tau'uta Red have not won a home game, they both have been beaten by the Savai'i Samoa at Teufaiva. In their away games the Tautahi beat the 'Upolu Samoa in Apia, and the Tau'uta beat the Fijian Barbarians in Fiji.

The Tau'uta scored the first try of the game within the first two minutes of the game when No. 8 Teuimuli Kaufusi fell on a loose ball that rolled onto the 'Upolu's try line. The Tau'uta fullback, Lokini Moeaki missed the conversion and the Tau'uta led 5-0.

'Upolu was stunted by Teuimuli's try while they were trying to find their composure and the Tau'uta No. 10, Tevita Kaufusi and the captain strolled over for a soft try near the post. Lokini was successful with his conversion and the Tau'uta extended its lead to 12-0.

It took 27 minutes for 'Upolu to put points on the score-board when No. 10 Pulenga Palepua was successful with a penalty conversion and the score was 12-3.

Seven minutes later, Tau'uta No. 7, Sione 'Onesi was yellow carded for repeated infringement on the side of the scrum. With only 14 men on the field, 'Upolu scored their first try of the game right at the end of the first half, when No. 12 Kiri Mariner sliced the Tau'uta back-line for a touch down. Pulenga missed the conversion and at the break the Tau'uta was leading 12-8.

Second half

'Upolu came out firing at the beginning of the second half, and No. 11 Iakopo Bardley broke for a try and this time the conversion was made by their hooker, Muliufi Salanoa, and 'Upolu took the lead 15-12. Six minutes later 'Upolu extended its lead when No. 12 Kiri Mariner strolled through for a try but Muliufi failed with the conversion and 'Upolu has a comfortable lead 20-12.

The Tau'uta fought back and four minutes from full time No. 4 Tevita Tanginoa scored under the post to be successfully converted by Lokini Moeaki and the score was 20-19. The Tau'uta got back into the game, and a last minute drop kick by Lokini could have snatched a victory for Tonga but it was all too late, and 'Upolu Samoa won 20-19.

Tau...’uta Reds

Fotu...’aika Naitoko, Vice Captain

Feki Moala

Toma Toke

Tevita Tanginoa

Sione Timani

...‘Atunaisa Sikalu

Sione ...‘Onesi

Teuimuli Kaufusi

Enele Taufa

Tevita Kaufusi, Captain

Kesi Fiefia

Hudson Tonga...’uiha

Fine Taufatofua

Peni Teisina

Lokini Moeaki

Reserves

Tala...’ofa Vea

Kilimani Latu

Taufa Havili Kaufusi

Tu...’ihakavalu Ma...’afu

...‘Otulea Fifita

Suli Tu...’utafaiva

Sioeli Bloomfield

Management Team

Patron ...– Hon. Kalaniuvalu

Manager ...– Molisoni ...‘Otukolo

Assistant Manager ...– Mark Hojelsen

Coach ...– Sione Fetuani

Assistant Coaches ...– Maka Kefu and Fa...’one Bloomfield

'Upolu Samoa

1. Muliufi Salanoa

2. Sani Fa'ata

3. Aukuso Fa'amau

4. Chat Slade

5. Lester Peniata

6. Taleni Toloa

7. Iu To'aloa

8. Sirovai Levi

9. Paul Chantung

10. Pulenga Palepua

11. Iakopo Bardley

12. Kiri Mariner

13 Gasolo Salima

14. Sama 'Eteuati

15. Paletu'ato'aToelupe

Reserves

16. Andrew Williams

17. Lolesio Iosefo

18. James Johnston

19. Vincent Schmidt

20. John Lemisio

21. Visesio Stanley

22. Mikaele Pesamino

Management Team

Manager - John Muaitau

Coach - Papali'i Fatialofa

Assistant Coach - Taufusi Salesa

Official - Elvera Lam