Tonga's Tautahi Gold wins 2008 IRB Pacific Cup [1]
Monday, May 26, 2008 - 13:49. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:20.
The Tautahi Gold thrashed the Upolu Samoa 11-3 and brought to Tonga for the first time the 2008 IRB Pacific Cup in the final of the tournament at Apia Park, Samoa, on Friday, May 23.
Tautahi ended Samoa's claim to the cup since it's first inaugural win last year.
The game saw only one try scored by the Man of the Match, Tautahi's Sitaleki Lu'au, sixth minute into the first half. Prior to the opening score Tautahi missed their first penalty, followed by another missed conversion by captain Fangatapu 'Apikotoa.
'Upolu came back and converted a penalty to make it 5-3 at the end of the first half. In the second half the Tautahi hit back with a drop goal by Fangatapu, before Sitaleki sealed Tonga's win with converted a try from a penalty, on the hour mark.
The Pacific Cup kicked off on April 18 consisting of five rounds and 15 matches of competitive action between Tonga, Samoa and Fiji.
Tonga's winning team
Tautahi Gold
1. Makoni Finau
2. Feki Moala
3. Sione Maama
4. Petelo Pifeleti
5. Taukolo Tu'akoi
6. Lisala Uafi
7. 'Otenili Latu
8. Aleki Taka
9. Soane Havea
10. Fangatapu 'Apikotoa (Captain)
11. Samisone Pone
12. Kaiongo Tupou
13. Sione Heimule Pangai
14. 'Vea Pauga
15. Sitaleki Lu'au.
Replacements
16. Soane Ledger
17. Viliami Kupu
18. 'Erwin Vaefoou
19. Sione Niu Tonga
20. Atenaisa Fakaosi
21. Leakona Tovi
22. Semisi Motuapuaka.