A high-powered Tonga side claimed a historic 27-21 win over Australia ‘A’ at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa on Friday.
The home side started well and held off a second-half surge from Australia ‘A’ to delight their fans. It only took three minutes for Tonga to score through Salesi Piutau with William Havili missing the conversion.
Taniela Tupou who made his injury return in this clash showcased his strength early on with a scrum penalty. However, his side would not benefit as Tonga snapped up a loose ball resulting in Fine Inisi going over for a second try in the first 10 minutes. Havili made no mistake from the tee on this occasion.
The Australians were their own worst enemy and struggled to get into the game because of several handling errors. The hosts remained at their brutal best and after a string of scrum penalties crossed through Tanginoa Halaifonua on the 24-minute mark.
Piutau was once again at the heart of some stunning play as he put Inisi in for his second try of the clash, giving the hosts a commanding 24-0 lead at half-time.
Game of two halves
Australia ‘A’ needed some magic of their own and it came through James O’Connor who orchestrated some space for speedster Corey Tool five minutes after the break. Fly-half Bernard Foley was on hand to convert from the touchline.
The try gave the visitors confidence and they grew further into the game with Lachlan Anderson scoring a try of his own just before the hour mark with skipper Foley on hand to nail the kick.
The comeback would come even closer as Josh Flook benefited from a Lukhan Salakai-Loto breakaway to take his team to within three points of Tonga.
However, the hosts hung on after a late penalty from Manu Paea to claim a 27-21 victory.
Foley thanks the Tongan people for their hospitality and the team for their physical battle.
“It’s been great to be here, the hospitality from the Tongan people and Tongan public has been exceptional ― we felt very welcomed coming here,” he said.
“We knew it was going to be a physical match, they really gave it to us at the start and put us under pressure.
“We came up against a really quality side in Tonga with plenty of strike weapons in their backline. We weren’t able to stop them early on and we paid for that.
“But again, it was a great opportunity for everyone to play here and we’re hungry and motivated to keep going ahead of the Rugby World Cup.”
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