Tonga 37 Fiji 39

Fiji winger Manueli Tiko grabbed a hat-trick of tries as his side ran in a total of five scores to edge out Tonga 39-37 in the Epson Cup Pacific Rim match in front of a capacity crowd in the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa.

Fiji led 29-13 at half-time but had to fight off a strong Tongan second-half comeback with tries from lock Kuli Faletau, Katilimoni Tu'ipulotu and Tevita Tiueti who got his second of the game.

However, a try from Samisoni Rabaka meant Fiji keep their hopes of snatching the 1999 Epson Cup title from the grasp of Japan.  Tonga now need to beat Samoa at home next week and also score four tries to gain the vital bonus point.

The results mean Tonga are without a win in this year's tournament and are bottom of the table on points difference.

The Teams:

Tonga:  1 Puku Faletau, 2 Fe'ao Vunipola, 3 Ngalu Taufo'ou, 4 Isi Fatani, 5 Kuli Faletau, 6 David Edwards, 7 Ben Hur Kivalu, 8 Kisione Ahota'e'iloa, 9 Sililo Martens, 10 'Elisi Vunipola, 11 David Tiueti, 12 Siua Taumalolo, 13 Salesi Finau (c), 14 Semisi Faka'osi'folau, 15 Sateki Tuipulotu
Reserves:  Fepiko Tatafu, Kati Tu'ipulotu, Manu Vunipola

Fiji:  1 Niko Qoro, 2 Greg Smith (c), 3 Joeli Veitayaki, 4 Emori Katalau, 5 Simon Raiwalui, 6 Apisai Naevo, 7 Koli Sewabu, 8 Ilivasi Tamanivalu Tabua, 9 Sami Rabaka Nasagavesi, 10 Nicky Little, 11 Fero Lasagavibau, 12 Viliame Satala, 13 Waisake Sotutu, 14 Imanueli Tikomaimakogai, 15 Alfred Uluinayau
Reserves:  Waisale Serevi, Lawrence Little, Dan Rouse, Ifereimi Tawake

Attendance:  10000
Referee:  Aiolupo a.

Points Scorers:

Tonga
Tries:  Tiueti T.L. 1, Ahota'e'iloa K. 1, Faka'osi'folau S. 1, Faletau K. 1
Conv:  Tuipulotu S. 4
Pen K.:  Tuipulotu S. 3

Fiji
Tries:  Lasagavibau F.T. 1, Rabaka Nasagavesi S. 1, Tikomaimakogai I. 3
Conv:  Serevi W.T. 1, Little N.T. 3
Pen K.:  Little N.T. 2