ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Tonga kick off World Cup preparations with victory over Australia A

BY Philip Bendon  ·  Friday Jul 14, 2023

Pacific island powerhouse Tonga got their build-up to Rugby World Cup 2023 off to the perfect start.

ADVERTISEMENT

Benefitting massively from the recent World Rugby eligibility rule changes, Tonga welcomed back several veteran players who have previously represented tier one nations.

Key among these additions were the likes of Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa and Vaea Fifita.

All three players played key roles in the Tongan’s superb 27 – 21 victory. Whilst the victoy was a great result for Tonga, the scoreline in reality should not have been that close as the men in red raced out to a 24 – 0 lead in the first half.

Switching off somewhat in the second half, the Tongans struggled to counter a powerful Australian comeback as their lead shrunk to just three points at 24 – 21.

Yet with the game on the line, Tonga won a kickable penalty as Queensland Reds star Harry Wilson was pinged for not releasing on the ground.

Replacement halfback Manu Paea stood up to take the kick and pierced the uprights to send the raucous crowd at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa into a frenzy.

ADVERTISEMENT

The win will send a clear signal to Tonga’s Pool B Rugby World Cup opponents that they are not there to make up the numbers but rather to push for a play-off spot.

Teams

Tonga: 1. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Ben Tameifuna, 4. Samiuela Lousi, 5. Halaleva Fifita, 6. Tanginoa Halaifonua, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Vaea Fifita, 9. Sonatane Takulua, 10. William Havili, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Pita Ahki, 13. Malakai Fekitoa, 14. Israel Folau, 15. Charles Piutau.

Substitutes: 16. Siua Maile, 17. Tau Koloamatangi, 18. David Lolohea, 19. Steve Mafi, 20. Sione Vailanu, 21. Manu Paea, 22. Otumaka Mausia, 23. Kyren Taumoefolau.

ADVERTISEMENT

Australia A: 1. Tom Lambert, 2. Folau Fainga’a, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Lukhan Salakai-Loto, 5. Cadeyrn Neville, 6. Lachlan Swinton, 7. Brad Wilkin, 8. Seru Uru, 9. Jake Gordon, 10. Bernard Foley (c), 11. Corey Toole, 12. James O’Connor, 13. Joey Walton, 14. Lachlan Anderson, 15. Jock Campbell.

Substitutes: 16. Lachlan Lonergan, 17. Angus Wagner, 18. Sam Talakai, 19. Ned Hanigan, 20. Harry Wilson, 21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22. Ollie Sapsford, 23. Josh Flook

Referee: Dan Waenga

Related Articles

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Gray to exit Exeter Chiefs with immediate...

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Former Connacht hooker shares brilliant rugby...

  • 33 WEEKS AGO

    Official calls halt to play amidst double-call...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: Outlandish Jacob Stockdale finish is truly world class

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Ulster denied THE GREATEST URC try you will ever see!

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Capuozzo break sets Dupont up for hatrick on return

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Wallabies wunderkind Sua'ali' and Scotland captain Tuipulotu clash

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Ireland 'steal' Argentina's opening try as debate rages

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    WATCH: The biggest hit from week one of the Autumn Nations Series

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    'Cheap shot' from Leicester Tigers vs Northampton Saints causing a stir online

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Wild moment leads to all in brawl during Welsh derby between Cardiff and Scarlets

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Supporters can't believe Saracens Sharp's UNBELIEVABLE finish

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Fans in awe as Joyce finishes ‘impossible’ solo try

  • 7 WEEKS AGO

    Insane moment as french backrow waves off medic and smokes Ange Capuozzo

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible drop goal helps break 25-match losing streak

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Leinster fly half delivers insane 50:22 after being given start for Emerging Ireland

View All

Funnies

  • 13 HOURS AGO

    U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major makes big claim about rugby

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    “Put that in the book” - Rieko Ioane’s explosive post reignites feud with Sexton

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mischievous Marcus Smith spotted engaging in the dark arts during All Blacks match

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Jonny Sexton: 'Fondest memory of the Heineken Cup in 2011?' - 'Gordon D'Arcy's bar' and 'Coppers'

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Watch: Mike Haley's post match interaction with RG Snyman leaves no doubt about where Munster players stand

View All

Amateur

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 100 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 123 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 124 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 15 HOURS AGO

    Marcus Smith makes big call on his future

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    'Eligible for England' - Fans react to South African star's contract announcement

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    The 19-year-old named the 'future' of English rugby after win against Australia A

  • 4 WEEKS AGO

    Anthony Watson exclusive: 'I wouldn't be surprised if England win'

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    It’s a 9.5/10 for Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i

View All