Tonga scores tries against All Blacks [1]
Friday, September 16, 2011 - 19:14. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
Editor,
THE All Blacks' 41-10 shellacking of upset-minded 'Ikale Tahi in the 2011 Rugby World Cup opener in Auckland this morning (U.S. West Coast time) was not all that bad.
The mighty All Blacks showcased why they're ranked No.1 in the world, against No.12 Tonga at the time of the match. However, Tonga made great strides in many areas, which should give serious 'Ikale Tahi fans much satisfaction:
It was the best performance by an 'Ikale Tahi team against the All Blacks in World Cup competitions, and Test matches.
The best result
The 31-point spread of today's game was the best ever an 'Ikale Tahi team had done against the All Blacks. Previously, the spread was 60 points in World Cup play, and 74 points in Test matches. Recall that the All Blacks' 102-0 win in 2000 was an embarrassment saved only by 145-17 demolition of Japan in 1995 to be the worst defeat.
For the second time in a row, Tonga scored a try against the All Blacks: in the 2003 RWC in Brisbane (first-five-eighth Pierre Hola), and in today's match with another try scored in the second half by replacement prop 'Alisona Taumalolo.
'Ikale Tahi to improve
Even All Blacks' coach Graham Henry was not too impressed with his team's performance: He gave them a score of five out of 10 following the match. The All Blacks were better at playing "spoil" rugby and open-field teamwork, and their support network was better at arriving to the breakdowns almost instantly behind their ball carriers.
Against Canada and Japan, Tonga should be able to score victories in their Pool play, and take another upset-shot at Tier One No. 4 France. Great individual talents showed on the 'Ikale Tahi side today in open-field play, but their cohesiveness as a team playing together showed needs for improvement.
Sione Akemeihakau Mokofisi
samokofisi [at] email [dot] phoenix [dot] edu ( samokofisi [at] email [dot] phoenix [dot] edu)