By Ryan Jennings

With both sides looking for promotion to Division A of the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007 this match was always likely to be a physical encounter between two powerful sides and it was the beaten 2006 Division B finalists, Tonga, who proved the stronger of the two.

The better of the opening exchanges went to Tonga and they scored the first points of the match. Tongan scrum half Sekope Maea forced a defending line out for Uruguay, but hooker Pablo Ruffalini was penalised for a crooked throw. Following strong defence by the South Americans, Tonga forced a penalty from which Sione Toke opened the scoring when he converted an easy three points.

Despite Tonga having the better of the game at this point, it was Uruguay who scored the opening try. After a mistake by Tonga flanker Constantin Kauvaka, Manuel Sagarra collected the ball and ran over in the corner. Their lead, however, didn't last long. After a Uruguayan handling error Tonga hooker Lepaola Taueli ran in a try from the 22 metre line. The try went unconverted but Tonga upped the anti to take a five point lead.

Successive penalties from Tongan full back Sione Toke took them further ahead and after a second try courtesy of a pulsating counter attack culminated in a fine finish from winger Pauni Atiola. A penalty kick from Sione Toke then extended Tonga's lead to 23-5 at half time.

The second half began much as the first had ended, with a converted penalty from Tonga. The lead would have been further extended were it not for a knock on at a crucial moment. Soon after, however, the mistake was made up for after excellent work from Tonga number eight Sione Kalamafeni in midfield.

Juan Manuel Gaminara, a replacement Uruguayan flanker was sent off for a head butt in the second half which added to Tonga's dominance and meant that there was no coming back for the South Americans.

Tonga then added one extra try to their tally courtesy of a second touch down by Pauni Atiola, to wrap up a match for the Pacific Islanders in which Uruguay had threatened early on, but ultimately succumbed to Tonga's superiority in all facets of the game.

Said Francisco Vilaseca, Uruguay lock: "I think we have to work harder on defence, in organisation. We are leaving too much space for players to run into."

Martin Mendaro, Uruguay head coach said, "We couldn't keep the ball. Every time we were in contact with them they were bigger and stronger than us."

Angus Naupoto, Tonga head coach said, "It is very important to have a first win in the tournament as we've had our problems off the pitch in the build up. We have to work on our ball control and probably our aimless kicking, which was evident at times."

Tonga flyhalf Richard Kaufusi said, "We are happy, but there are a few errors we must improve on."

Tonga's team: Viliami Pola, Lepaola Taueli, Sila Puafisi, Finau Tupa, Tevita Tangi, 'Inoke Taufa, Constantin Kauvaka, Sione Kalamafeni, Sekope Maea, Richard Kaufusi (C), Salesi Sete, Mahe Fangupo, William Takai, Pauni Atiola, Sione Toke. Maleko Latu (R), Isileli Vaka'uta (R), Salesi Veikune (R), Fransis Penitani (R), Mateo Malupo (R), Sione Katoa (R), Simote Langi (R).

Tonga's next two games in Pool B will be against the Cook Islands on April 8 at Malone, Belfast, then against Italy on April 12 at Queen's, Belfast. Italy is one of the favourites to win Pool B so that they can move up to Division A.

The twelve teams in Division A are: Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, England, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Samoa, Wales, Fiji and Japan.

The twelve teams in Division B are: Tonga, Uruguay, Canada, Russia, China Taipei, Italy, Zimbabwe, Cook Islands, Georgia, USA, Chile and Romania. IRB, 4/04/07.