The 'Ikale Tahi nearly caused an upset at the Rugby World Cup when it nearly beat the Springbokd 30-25 at the Stade Felix Bollaert, Lens yesterday morning, September 23, Tongan time.

In the dying minutes of the game the Springboks were leading 30-25 but the 'Ikale Tahi was very much on the hunt for a victory. They did not get it but as Tongans would put it, it was a "Fo'i Malie". We lost but it was a good battle.

The No. 3 ranking Springboks stuck their nose up at the 'Ikale Tahi, which is ranking No. 13, and put on what they referred to as their "second-stringers".

But when the 'Ikale Tahi was leading 10-7 earlier in the second half Jake White, the Springboks' coach realised that he was playing with fire and immediately put on the field all his big guns who were on the bench who managed to get the Boks back on track. But the 'Ikale Tahi hit back with two tries to narrow the gap to 22-27. Both sides later exchanged penalty conversions to make it 30-25 before the final whistle.

The 'Ikale Tahi's coach Quddus Fielea described the result, as one of the magical moments for the team.

"It hasn't sunk in. It was a fantastic performance from our players and when we saw the kind of team they were putting out we just decided to have a go at them."

The 'Ikale Tahi captain Nili Latu praised his team for a good performance.

"They (The Springboks) had power and speed so we knew that we had to be smart if we were to beat them. We knew that if we got in their faces, they wouldn't like it."

The 'Ikale Tahi scored three tries to four, and was awarded with a bonus point for keeping the margin of defeat down to less than seven points.

On the points table for Pool A, the Springboks are in first place with 14, the 'Ikale Tahi and England tied in second place with nine points each. Samoa is in third place with one point, and the USA Eagles are in fourth place with zero.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fight to the death

The 'Ikale Tahi will meet England this Friday, September 28 and the winner will advance with the Springboks to the quarter final.

The former World Champion, England is mobilising all its fire-power for an all out battle to be in the quarter final.

England coach Brian Ashton was reported to have said after the Springboks 'Ikale Tahi game that "it's a fight to the death on Friday night."

"We've had two indifferent performances to say the least [England opened their 2007 campaign with an unconvincing 28-10 win against the United States]. Today was a step in the right direction."

England may be preparing for a fight to the death, but Percy Montgomery, the Springboks fullback's words of advice - "I think it will tough for them (England). The Tongan team have got some good momentum at the moment, they've got some really good players.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all if they were to win. They have had a great World Cup, they are playing attractive rugby and it's a strange game.

"We needed all our composure to beat them and England will find it hard."