Tonga Under 19 loses chance of making world semi-final [1]
Thursday, April 8, 2004 - 09:32. Updated on Monday, May 5, 2014 - 13:55.
The Young 'Ikale Tahi lost its chance of getting into the semi-final of the IRB Under 19 World Championship, in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, when they were beaten by Uruguay on April 4.
The Uruguayans were too powerful for the young 'Ikale Tahi. At half time the Uruguayans were leading 10-0. Tonga fought back after half time, and Hemani Paea and Tupou Palu scored tries and were both converted by Lataimuli 'Anitoni but it was not enough and the Uruguayans won 22-14.
After Tonga beat the USA 39-0 in a lightening manner in their first game on March 27 there was high hope that the Young 'Ikale Tahi would be a contender for the top three teams in Division B.
That hope was shaken four days later on March 31, when Namibia beat Tonga 19-3, followed by the defeat against Uruguay.
Tonga's next game is with Canada on April 8.