An invitational Tongan team were outclassed by Australia’s Western Force in Perth on Sunday 13 May. The game was competitive in the first half with Tonga scoring two late tries to trail the Western Force 21 – 17.

Tonga’s team was made up predominantly of non-professional and local players, coached by Isi Fatani. Tonga’s two tries were scored by James Faiva and Kelekolio Hifo.

The Western Force published an interview with Tonga’s coach Isi Fatani who said that the match was an opportunity to give exposure to local Tongan players.

Fatani told the Western Force “It’s a real blessing for the Tongan local players to come here and play the Western Force,”

“They have to learn a lot of experience like this tour here, get some experience.”