Tautahi Gold thrashes Baabaas [1]
Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 20:29. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 18:56.
By Christopher Chand
Reigning Pacific Rugby Cup champions Tautahi Gold keeps its hopes alive of playing in the final of the Pacific Rugby Cup after the Tongans thrashed the Fiji Barbarians 47-10 at Lawaqa Park last night, May 22.
Tautahi has jumped into second place ahead of the Fiji Warriors with the bonus point win and will await the result of the Tau'uta Reds-Warriors clash today to see if they will play in the final against 2007 champions Upolu Samoa in Apia next week.
The visitors ran in seven tries with fullback Mateo Malupo scoring a brace against the young Babaas who will carry Fiji's hopes at the Junior World Championship in Japan next month.
Inside centre Mahe Fangapu, Tiueti Ma'amaloa, Sione Aho and Josateki Veikune scored a try each for Tautahi Gold in the riot.
Tautahi Gold coach Liueli Fusimalohi was impressed with how the Babaas stood up to the challenge against a Tongan side that will make up their national side for the Pacific Nations Cup.
Liueli said their hopes of playing in the final will rest on the shoulders of Tau'uta... Reds.
"We needed this bonus point win and we will now hope the Reds can beat the Fiji Warriors but at the same time we hope the Fijians do not pick up any point in that match. Then we will be able to play in the final," said Liueli.
"The Babaas played well and I think the Fijians will be a good team for the JWC. They did really well being a group of U-20 players."
Tautahi Gold has now taken up second place with 13 points , one ahead of Fiji Warriors who are on 12 points but will play their final round match against the Reds in Nuku'alofa today.
Upolu Samoa
Upolu Samoa has already qualified for the finals and is the only unbeaten team in the competition. They will face Savaii in the other match today.
Fiji Barbarians head coach Osea Umuumulovo said the huge scoreline did little to dampen their spirits.
Umuumulovo said he rested a number of his key players and gave others a chance to prove their worth before he announces the final squad for the JWC today.
"This side has achieved what we had targeted in the PRC and we can say now that we are ready for the JWC," said Umuumulovo.
"Results were not our concern from day one but more focus was on getting these players exposed at the highest level. This side played against a side that will make up the core of the Tongan team for the PNC and I am proud of them."
Replacement Koroi Yavala kicked a penalty late in the second half before winger Ilaitia Leka scored their only try of the match.
Tautahi Gold raced in four tries in the first half to lead 26-0 at halftime.
The visitors scored another two after the restart. - Fiji Sun