By Dean McFarlane

Tonga moved a step closer to a semi final place in Division B of the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007 after running in 12 tries to beat the Cook Islands 72-6 at Gibson Park, Malone.

The Cook Islands trailed 34-3 at half time, but had come back into the game significantly after conceding four tries in the first 15 minutes. It was Tonga's speedy wing Alfred Hausia who opened the scoring in the third minute when he outpaced the defence to run in from the halfway line.

Hausia grabbed his second try before the first half was over, but his performance was matched by hooker Lepaola Taueli, who scored after 20 minutes and again right on the half time whistle to cap a brilliant display.

The Cook Islands got themselves on the scoreboard after 17 minutes with a penalty by fly half Roney Maui, who added another three minutes into the second half, but it was Tonga that scored the first points of the half when number 8 Constantin Kauvaka crossed for a try in the opening minute of the half.

Bonus point

With the bonus point secured Tonga started to look for more tries and were guilty of not getting the final pass away on a number of occasions. They did however score another five tries in the second half with centre Sione Toke collecting a personal tally of 17 points with six conversions and the try he scored on the final whistle when he crashed through the defence from five metres out.

Tonga captain Richard Kaufusi bagged himself a try as did winger Charles Mateo, full back Mateo Malupo, flanker Inoke Taufa and replacement scrum half Sekope Maea. Kauvaka also got another try to punish the Cook Islanders for some lax tackling.

Said Cook Islands coach Ioaba Ezekiela: "We are learning as we go through the tournament, it is the biggest event of their lives for a lot of these boys and nerves show through. We will work on our tackling for the next game against Chinese Taipei, which we hope to win."

Cook Islands captain Papa Mataroa: "We have really enjoyed our first time in the IRB Under 19 World Championship. It's been a tough learning curve and our tackling let us down today. We will look to front up against Chinese Taipei and be a bit more physical in defence."

Tonga coach Angus Naupoto: "We have won our first two games, but know that the game against Italy will be crucial if we are to qualify for the semi finals. We scored some nice tries and backed it up with good forward work which we will look to take forward."

Tonga hooker Lepaola Taueli: "I was very pleased to score two tries, but it was all down to good support play from my forward colleagues and good play from the backs meant that we scored a lot of tries."

Tonga after second day

Tonga, Italy, Zimbabwe, USA, Uruguay and Canada recorded wins on the second day of action in Division B of the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007.

Tonga head the Division B standings on 10 points, ahead of Italy on points difference. The top two meet on 12 April, when the Division B pool stage reaches its climax.

Canada and USA, both unbeaten after two matches, lie in third and fourth respectively. IRB.com, 8/04/07.