Tonga cage Lions in big upset
Tonga caused a huge upset against the Great Britain Lions in Hamilton last night, defeating the Wayne Bennett coached team 14-6.
On the same ground as they beat the Kiwis 28-22 at the World Cup two years ago, to signal Tonga as a new powerhouse of international footy, they produced another outstanding effort for a memorable victory.
The fact that the test clashed with the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup semifinal against England, no doubt paid a part in not too many New Zealanders coming along to Waikato Stadium.
However, the Tongan fans still turned out in large numbers and created a great atmosphere.
Halfback Ata Hingano was a late scratching from the Tongan team and replaced by Tesi Niu, who is yet to make his NRL debut for the Broncos.
Kotoni Staggs was also replaced by a chubby-looking Konrad Hurrell at centre just before the game began.
But even those changes didn’t deter Tonga from the job at hand and they played with far more passion than the Lions did.
This was the first time the Great Britain Lions have played since 2007, but that’s no excuse for this rusty performance.
There had been plenty of hype about what this Lions team could do, with their fans expecting them to win all four tests on this tour, but they’ll be lucky to win one if they keep playing like this. (Michael Jennings, Sione Katoa tries; Sio Siua Taukeiaho 3 goals)
(John Bateman try; Gareth Widdop goal) 12-0
Great Britain’s attack was too lateral, there was little direction from the halves, the forwards were outmuscled and their kicking game was poor.
This was a far better effort from Tonga than when they were badly beaten 34-14 by the Lions at Mt Smart Stadium in June.
It was a poor start for Tonga with the kickoff going out on the full, but they were able to put the early pressure on the Lions, inspired by their vocal supporters in the crowd.
The British defence had a real battle on their hands to keep out charges at their line from Sio Siua Taukeiaho and skipper Jason Taumalolo, while Niu was making breathtaking runs from the back.
However, it wasn’t until the 30th minute that the first points came, with Michael Jennings capitalising on some loose play after the ball was kicked through the Lions defence.
His try was converted by Taukeiaho, to give Tonga a deserved lead.
In the final play of the first half, there was incredible stuff from Tonga to keep avoiding being tackled, with their players treating the ball like a hot potato.
Eventually, after 15 passes, a gap opened up and Sione Katoa dived on a grubber kick for a try.
The Lions had more ball for the start of the second half, but
Tonga Invitational XIII 14
Great Britain 6
HT:
struggled to do much with it, while Tonga’s goal-line defence was outstanding.
In the 62nd minute Taukeiaho kicked a penalty to make the score 14-0 for Tonga.
With 10 minutes to go John
Bateman used strength and pace to fight through the Tongan defence and finally give the Lions their first try.
Next up for the Lions is their first test against the Kiwis this Saturday at Eden Park, and both of those teams will go into the game low on confidence after poor efforts this weekend.
On the same bill, Tonga will take on the Kangaroos, for what could be called an unofficial World Cup final.