Nuku’alofa, Tonga – ‘Ikale Tahi head coach Mana ‘Otai has been given the dream start to the end of year test series, with a decisive victory of the Georgian Lelos at Mikheil Mekshi stadium in Tblisi overnight. Solid control of ball in hand, and a determined squad saw the Tongan team grind out a 23 – 9 victory in a game marred by a number of penalties, and a second half altercation between Georgi Begadze and Paea Fa’anunu that threatened to derail the solid base Tonga had built.
Both teams looked reasonably even matched in the first half, however ill discipline, especially around the breakdown, saw both teams heavily penalised. Kurt Morath and Merab Kvirikashvili both contributed to a solid kicking game, although both sides also saw penalty kicks either being pushed wide or dropping short. Kvirikashvili managed to slot a gift three pointer late in the first half to see the home side leave the field at the break 9 – 6.
The second half saw ‘Ikale Tahi come out strong early. With substitutions at the 46th minute bringing on Siua Halanukonuka and Paea Fa’anunu, the Tongan team looked strong in offence, with consistent phases and driving offence pushing the Georgian’s back. Ultimately their determination was rewarded with Taniela Moa slicing through the shirt side after a dominant Tongan Scrum to dot sown for the first of his two tries of the night.
Georgia did try to fight back, with good pressure deep in Tongan territory. However the ‘Ikale Tahi were able to turn the possession around, and late in the second half Vungakoto Lilo, again on the short side, added the final of the three tries of the night.
Latiume Fosita was somewhat inconsistent with his kicking, failing to convert any of the tries made, however this did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the team, and the celebrations post match told the tale of a team who not only won, but deservedly could call themselves victors.
The team now makes their way to Gloucester, England to face the next game in the series against the USA Eagles at Kingsholm Stadium. The American’s have recovered from their demolition at the hands of the All Blacks to triumph over Romania last night, so both teams will have everything to play for. The Tonga v USA game will be streamed live on IRB’s website, and promises to be a strong test for both teams.
Tries: Taniela Moa (2), Vungakoto Lilo
Penalty Goals: Kurt Morath (2)
Final Score: 23 – 6 to Tonga
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