Mate Ma’a Tonga triumph over Kiwis with miracle comeback 28 – 22 [1]
Saturday, November 11, 2017 - 19:33. Updated on Monday, November 27, 2017 - 19:16.
By Finau Fonua
The Mate Ma’a Tonga have defeated the New Zealand Kiwis, pulling off a remarkable comeback this evening in Hamilton, New Zealand. Down 16 – 2 in the first-half, Mate Ma'a Tonga scored five tries in the second-half to triumph 28 – 22.
Tonga was leading early in the game with a penalty goal converted by Siosiua Taukeiaho in the fifth minute. The Kiwis responded with tries by Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jordan Rapana and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to put New Zealand ahead at half-time 16 – 2.
The Mate Ma’a Tonga made their miracle comeback in the second-half with two tries to David Fusitu’a in the 48th and 58th minute. Tonga went ahead with an electrifying intercept by Tuimoala Lolohea in the 61st minute. Will Hopoate put the ball under the posts four minutes later.
In the 71st minute, the Kiwis narrowed the gap to 24 - 22 with a try in the form of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Tonga sealed the game in the 76th minute with a try in the corner by David Fusitu’a.
Tonga Tryscorers: David Fusitu’a (3), Tuimoala Lolohea, Will Hopoate.
New Zealand Tryscorers: Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Jordan Rapana, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (2)
Party time
Meanwhile, at home in Tonga, carloads of fans are going wild with joy around the Nuku'alofa CBD, with carhorns still sounding, and backyard fireworks.
Fans poured out onto the streets to celebrate, riding on on top of cars, cheering dancing and playing loud music and forming parades for several hours into the night.