Junior 'Ikale Tahi wins bronze at JWRT [1]
Sunday, July 1, 2012 - 21:50. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
By Sione Ake-mei-hakau Mokofisi
The Junior 'Ikale Tahi meets Georgia
The Junior 'Ikale Tahi ended its campaign at the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy 2012 in a dramatic fashion, with a last-minute converted try to snatch victory from Georgia 31-29, on Saturday 30 June, at the Murray Rugby Park Stadium, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
A loud, boisterous, and supportive crowd cheered on the young Tongans with the clock ticking away at 79:38, with seconds to go, and the junior 'Ikale Tahi was trailing 24-29. A ruck was formed around the 22-meter line of Georgia which Tonga punched ahead first and then float the ball to the back line which overloaded the Georgians 4-2.
The crowd of 5,000 in the grand stand was on its feet with booming cheers as Jonathan Fainga'a received the pass with no Georgian defender in sight. He raised an arm and pointing toward the goalposts. The Tongan coach and his replacements were celebrating and hugging each other on their sideline as the clock ticked down to 80:00.
The Junior 'Ikale Tahi victory won them the third place in the tournament, and a bronze medal.
Tonga put the first points on the score board when 'Amanaki Lea'atoa converted a penalty kick to make it 3-0 in the sixth minute. Georgia responded in the 22nd minute, and tied the score up 3-3.
For the rest of the game, the Junior 'Ikale Tahi was trailing, until final minute of the game.
At half-time, Georgia was leading 10-3.
The young 'Ikale Tahi looked worn down by a scorching sun that reached 96 degree Farenheit (34c). A much bigger and heavier Georgian forward side kept bounding away on the smaller but faster Tongans, however, the Tongans seemed to switch on their second-wind leading to the final try while Georgia was leading 29-24.
The Junior 'Ikale Tahi fell short of their target to win the IRB Junior World Rugby Trophy so that they can advance to the IRB Junior Championship.
The 26 players in the Tonga Under 20 national team are:
Viliami Fatafehi, Prop
Saia Halalilo, Prop
Wilson Lavelua, Prop
Kepueli Mafi, Prop
Kalafi Pongi, Hooker
Manisela Tu'itupou, Hooker
Michael Faleafa, Lock
Vainanuma Manu,Lock
Tikilita Peaua, Lock
'Alifeleti 'Atiola, Flanker
Dillan Halaholo, Flanker
Fotu Lokotui, Flanker
Sesita Vaiomo'unga, Flanker
Solomon T-Pole, No. 8
Sione Makaafi, Scrumhalf
Filimone Moala, Scrumhalf
Latiume Fosita, Flyhalf
'Amanaki Lea'atoa, Flyhalf
Johnathan Fainga'a, Centre
Thomas Faiva, Centre
Sione Teaupa, Centre
'Eiki Osamu, Wing
Hosea Saumaki, Wing
Siale Talakai, Wing
Latuselu Vailea, Wing
Manase Folau, Fullback.
Management
'Otenili Tu'ipulotu, Head Coach
Uatekini Halatoafa, Team Manager
Sione Pangai, Assistant Coach
'Otumuli Mavae, Physiotherapist
Duke mataka, Team Doctor
Semisi Fonua, Trainer.