Tonga A were narrowly beaten by Canada A 32 – 31 in their final game of the World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge yesterday in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Tonga A was leading 22 – 13 at half-time after scoring three tries; one by centre Manase Folau and two tries by lock forward Irwin Finau. Fullback Saia Fililava converted two penalties to extend Tonga’s lead to 28 – 13 in the 50^th minute. Canada rallied back with three tries to lead 32 – 31 in the 70^th minute. 

Efforts to respond to Canada’s resurgence was handicapped after two players were sent-off with yellow cards in the space of three minutes: Tevita Hafoka in the 67^th minute for a no wrap tackle and Viliami Langi in the 69^th minute for collapsing a maul.

Fullback Saia Fililava, missed a crucial penalty conversion in the 72^nd minute, which would have regained the lead for Tonga.

Tonga A finishes the Americas Pacific Challenge tournament with one win (39 – 30 over USA select) and two losses (Canada 32 - 31 and Samoa 23 – 15).

Tonga A Team

1 Solomone Kioa (capt.)
2 Maliu Ma’asi
3 Anthony Aholelei
4 Irwin Finau
5 Asaeli Lehauli
6 Bruce Ikamanu
7 Taniela Atiola
8 Haloti Tupou
9 Sione Ta’ai
10 James Faiva
11 Sione Ika
12 Paki Afu
13 Manase Folau
14 Alefosio Vahe
15 Saia Fililava
Replacements: 16 Paea Fono’ifua, 17 Sosaia Masima, 18 Kaho Tupou, 19 Vili Langi, 20 Tupou Ahome’e, 21 Tevita Hafoka, 22 To’osavili Havea, 23 Siosefa Finau