The Tonga Schools were defeated 33 – 19 by the New Zealand Schools Barbarians in physical encounter in Palmerston North, New Zealand.  The game was played last Friday, 28 September.

The Barbarians dominated the first half of the match, scoring three tries to gain a comfortable 21 - 5 lead. Tonga first try was scored by Hiliau Latu.

The Second Half was competitive with both teams scoring two tries each. Tonga Schools scored the first try of the second half in the form of centre Siosefa Finau. The Barbarians pulled away with two more tries but Tonga Schools had the final say with a try to Apitoni To’ia.

There was no shortage of bone crushing tackles in the game from both teams. The tackle of the match however came from Siosefa Finau who hammered a barbarian centre to the ground. A video of the tackle has since gone viral on social media.

Tonga Schools will play the New Zealand Maori Under-18s team this Friday, 6 October in Porirua. The New Zealand Schools Barbarians defeated the Maori Under-18s, 28 – 24, on Monday.