Tonga turn tables on Fiji
Beaten in a World Cup warm-up by the Flying Fijians last weekend, the Ikale Tahi beat Fiji at Churchill Park in Lautoka 32-20 on Friday night. The Fijians had won 27-12 at the same venue.
Tonga had their strongest team out and one of the new men, flyhalf Kurt Morath kicked 17 of his side’s points with five penalties and a conversion.
Morath opened the scoring with a penalty which was followed by a try by Vungakoto Lilo after a break by Fetu’u Vainikolo. Fiji then came back and took the lead when flyhalf Waisea Luveniyali kicked a penalty and then converted a try by Rupeni Nasiga. 10-8 to Fiji, But then Morath goaled a second penalty so that Tonga led 11-10 at half-time.
Morath kicked two more penalties in the second half before Vainikolo capitalised on a Fijian mistake to score. 22-13. Centre Alipate Fatafehi scored the third try, which Morath converted before ending his side’s scoring with a penalty with just three minutes left. Four minutes into injury time Leone Nakarawa, who has at last been told he would be allowed into New Zealand for the World Cup after leaving the army, scored a try, converted by Luveniyali.
For Tonga the win was timely as their next match is the opening match of the 2011 World Cup when they face the mighty All Blacks. Fiji have a far gentler introduction – against Namibia.
Scorers:
For Tonga:
Tries: Lilo, Vainikolo, Fatafehi
Cons: Morath
Pens: Morath 5
For Fiji:
Tries: Nasiga, Nakarawa
Con: Luveniyali 2
Pen: Luveniyali
Teams
Fiji: 15 Kini Murimurivalu, 14 Vereniki Goneva, 13 Albert Vulivuli, 12 Ravai Fatiaki, 11 Michael Tagicakibau, 10 Waisea Luveniyali, 9 Vitori Buatava, 8 Sisa Koyamaibole, 7 Akapusi Qera (captain), 6 Netani Talei, 5 Wame Lewaravu, 4 Rupeni Nasiga, 3 Waisea Daveta, 2 Sunia Koto, 1 Campese Ma’afu,
Replacements: 16 Talemaitoga Tuapati, 17 Setefano Somoca, 18 Leone Nakarawa, 19 Masi Matadigo, 20 Neeamia Kenatale, 21 Nicky Little, 22 Iliesa Keresoni
Tonga: 15 Viliame Iongi, 14 Fetu’u Vainikolo, 13 Alipate Fatafehi, 12 Siale Piutau, 11 Vungakoto Lilo, 10 Kurt Morath, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Viliami Ma’afu, 7 Finau Maka (captain), 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Joseph Tuineau, 4 Lisiate Fa’aoso, 3 Tonga Lea’aetoa, 2 Aleki Lutui (captain), 1 Soane Tongauiha
Replacements: 16 Ilaisia Ma’asi, 17 Halani Aulika, 18 Sione Timani, 19 Samiu Vahafolau, 20 Andrew Mailei, 21 Thomas Palu, 22 Sukanaivalu Hufanga
Referee: Chris Pollock (New Zealand)
