Tonga U20s draw 26 - 26 with Fiji U20s [1]
Wednesday, December 6, 2017 - 16:29
The Tonga Under 20s rugby team scored a last minute try to force a draw against Fiji 26 – 26 in the final of the Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy on Saturday 2 December in Suva, Fiji. To the dismay of Tongan fans, the game did not go to extra-time with the Fiji U20s being declared winners of the Trophy as a result of scoring more tries in accordance to the competition rules.
The game was the last of a two-game competition between the teams to decide who would qualify for the 2018 World Rugby U20s Trophy tournament. Both games resulted in draws, with the first game ending level 15 – 15 on 25 November.
The Tonga U20s scored two unconverted tries in the first twenty minutes of the game to lead 10 – 0, the tries being scored by winger Litani Pakalani and lock forward Tevita Oto. Fiji rallied back with two converted tries including a try in the final minute of the half to lead 14 – 13 at the break.
In the second-half, Fiji scored its third try two minutes after kick-off. In the 52nd minute, Fiji scored it’s fourth to gain a comfortable lead 26 – 13. Tonga U20s flyhalf Nautu’a Masima converted two penalties to close the gap to 26 – 19 before Tongan centre Tevita Tai scored the final try of the game in the 80th minute, forcing a draw with Fiji.