Tonga defeated in Rugby World 7's Plate Semi Finals [1]
Monday, March 9, 2009 - 17:50. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:00.
Tonga's National Seven a-side Rugby team, the Digicel Tonga 7, reached the Rugby 7's World Cup Plate Semi Finals to be defeated by Australia 19-22 in Dubai on March 7.
The Tongans who were in Pool A against the Arabian Gulf, Italy and heavyweight New Zealand won two of their pool matches. They defeated the Arabian Gulf 19-0 on the first day on March 5, and Italy on March 6 with a score of 31-10.
Tongan Captain Viliami Ma'afu said after their victory over the Arabian Gulf, "It was a good atmosphere, we expected to play some good stuff but it was a bit messy. But it is good to start with a win. We didn't stick to our game plan and spread the ball wide and we made a lot of mistakes."
However, their winning streak on the second day ended when they were crushed by heavyweight New Zealand, 24-7.
The Tongans then proceeded into the Plate Quarter Final on the final day, March 7 and defeated Tunisia 24-7. But they were thrashed by Australia 19-22 in the Plate Semi Final, ending their bid in the international tournament.
The Welsh on the hand, claimed the 2009 Rugby World Sevens Cup with a 19-12 victory over Argentina during the final. Zimbabwe took home the Bowl after defeating Ireland 17-14 while Scotland won the plate after thrashing Australia 21-17.
The Tongan team have departed Dubai for New Zealand where they will participate in the first Pasifika Auckland City Sevens tournament on March 14, before returning to Tonga on March 16. 

The Rugby 7's World Cup was held for three days from March 5-7.