'Ikale Tahi beats the USA Eagles [1]
Sunday, November 18, 2012 - 20:28. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
The 'Ikale Tahi won its first game during its current European tour, by beating the American Eagles 22-13 at Parc Eirias, Wales, this morning, November 18 (Tonga time).
The 'Ikale Tahi was aggressive from kick-off with their ball carrying and ball retention, and they were rewarded with a try by winger Will Helu ten minutes into the game.
Fangatapu 'Apikotoa missed the conversion, and the 'Ikale Tahi took the lead 5-0.
The USA Eagles bounced back half an hour later with a penalty conversion, and No. 10 Zachary Pangelinan put three points on the board. Then just before half time, the Eagles No. 9 Robbie Shaw crossed the line and scored. The conversion was successful, and at the break the score was 10-5 to the USA, and Tonga was down to 14 players; Fangatapu 'Apikotoa was yellow carded for a deliberate knock-on.
While 'Apikotoa was outside, Pangelinan was successful with another penalty conversion and the score went up to 13-5 for the USA. Then Vungakoto Lilo was successful with a penalty conversion and Tonga's points went up to 8-13, a few minutes later, Joe Tu'ioneau scored and it was converted by Vunga, and Tonga took the lead with 15-13. About 15 minutes before full-time centre Sione Piukala broke through and scored near the up-right; Lilo converted and the score was 22-13.
In the dying minutes of the game the USA Eagles No. 9 broke through, but he was finally brought down on Tonga's 22 metre line before the final whistle.
The 'Ikale Tahi won but most definitely there is still a lot of work to do before their final game against Scotland on Saturday, November 24 in Aberdeen. There were still too many penalties, and two players were yellow carded, Fangatapu 'Apikotoa before half time, and 'Alipate Fatafehi before full-time.