Big win for 'Ikale Tahi lifts Tongan spirits [1]
Friday, July 14, 2023 - 20:01. Updated on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 - 12:12.
Photos by Tupou Vaipulu Jr.
A big exciting win for 'Ikale Tahi over Australia A, lifted the spirits of Tongan fans this afternoon at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku'alofa, with the final score Tonga 27 - Australia A 21.
The vistors were welcomed by Crown Prince Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala.
In the first half everything went Tonga's way and they were on top Tonga 24 Australia A 0.
In the first half, Tries to Piutau, Inisi, Funaki and Takulua and a couple of conversions from Havili had Tonga well in front.
The excited Tongan fans believed Australia A could not keep up with the score.
In the first few minutes the first Try to Charles Piutau put Tonga ahead 5-0
By 12 minutes it was Tonga 12 Australia A 0, with a Try to Fine Inisi. After a rolling maul from Tonga off a penalty, Inisi ran between Gordon and Uru to score. Havili converted for a 12-point lead.
By 25 minutes – Tonga 19 Australia A 0 - Try to Solomone Funaki. Tonga used the ball through the forwards off the lineout to midfield and through Australia A defence. Havili converted from in front.
By 34 minutes – Tonga 24 Australia A 0 – Try to Sonatane Takulua. Charles Piutau ran down the left wing before offloading to Inisi. A chip over the top evaded the Australia A defence in the in-goal area and Takulua dived on the ball first. Havili was unable to convert.
In the first half Australia A made several handling errors compounded by some kicking errors, leaving Australian fans mightily disappointed.
HALFTIME Tonga 24 Australia A 0
Second half
In the second half, Australia A switched a few players and looked to be making up for lost time. Now Australia A had the wind at their back, but Tongan fans excitedly held on to their high hopes.
50 minutes – Tonga 24 Australia A 7 – Try to Corey Toole. After a scrum close in O’Connor found Corey Toole to score in the left corner. Foley used the breeze to convert from the left touchline.
61 minutes – Tonga 24 Australia A 14 – Try to Lachie Anderson for Australia A. On the right wing, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa with Wilson and Wilkin, before Anderson went over. Foley converted.
61minutes– Tonga 24 Australia A 14 – Josh Flook went on for Australia A.
71 minutes – Tonga 24 Australia A 21 – Try to Josh Flook. Down the right wing Salakaia-Loto found Flook and scored under the posts. Foley converted.
Tongan fans were tense as the Australia A score increased, with Tongan fans remembering last minute disappointments at Teufaiva in the past.
76 minutes – Tonga 27 Australia A 21 – Penalty goal to Manu Paea. That goal meant Australia A needed a converted try to win.
Excitement rose at Teufaiva.
77 minutes– Tonga 27 Australia A 21 – Yellow cards to Sam Lousi and Lachie Swinton for a scuffle and the referee reversed the penalty for Swinton’s retaliation.
79 minutes– Tonga 27 Australia A 21 – Tonga had a penalty inside the Australian A 22. They kicked to the corner but lost their own lineout.
FULLTIME – Tonga 27 Australia A 21
It was a better second half from Australia A but all the damage was done in the first half by Tonga.
Tries to Corey Toole, Lachie Anderson and Josh Flook and 3 conversions from Bernard Foley.
At the end of the day, Australian fans conceded a fantastic win for Tonga and praised the enthusiasm, hard work and top international rugby here, at the same time ruled out some of their own Australian A players as RWC potential.
Australian supporters said: “Well played Tonga!! ... “I am very happy that Tonga played well and hope they give the World Cup a real shake!”
Tongan fans went home happily holding on to their high spirits.
Teams
Tonga: 1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Samiuela Lousi, 5. Halaleva Fifita, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Vaea Fifita, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. William Havili, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 14. Israel Folau, 15. Charles Piutau.
Substitutes: 16. Siua Maile, 17. Tau Koloamatangi, 18. David Lolohea, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Sione Vailanu, 21. Manu Paea, 22. Otumaka Mausia, 23. Kyren Taumoefolau.
Australia A: 1. Tom Lambert, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Lukhan Salakai-Loto, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Lachlan Swinton, 7. Brad Wilkin, 8. Seru Uru, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Bernard Foley (c), 11. Corey Toole, 12. James O’Connor, 13. Joey Walton, 14. Lachlan Anderson, 15. Jock Campbell.
Substitutes: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Angus Wagner, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Ned Hanigan, 20. Harry Wilson, 21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22. Ollie Sapsford, 23. Josh Flook
Referee: Dan Waenga
Match timkeeping thanks to: www.theroar.com.au