Tonga’s Under-20’s rugby team won the 2018 Oceania Rugby U20 Trophy Saturday, 8 December, after narrowly defeating Samoa 27 – 20 in their hometown Apia.

Samoa’s loss was due largely to unsuccessful kicking, their fly-half Moo Falaniko failed to convert all four of Samoa’s tries. This was a stark contrast to Tonga’s kicker Haitani Tafolo who rose to the occasion; converting all three of Tonga’s tries, one penalty and a drop kick.

It was the second victory for Tonga U20s against Samoa U20s in the two-team competition. Their first clash on 4 December ended on a similar note with Tonga narrowly winning 16 – 12.

The win means that Tonga successfully qualifies for the World Rugby Under 20s Trophy next year in Brazil.