Tonga takes third spot
TONGA A ended its 2020 World Rugby Pacific Challenge campaign on a high note after holding Samoa A to a 36-10 win in the rain at the ANZ Stadium in Suva yesterday.
Tonga A captain Patelesio Oneone was jubilant that despite a hard fought contest they were able to go home after securing third place in the series.
“It was a good game, we focused for a win and we got it,” said Oneone.
Tonga proved the stronger side shooting off to an early 19-3 lead at half-time with tries to blindside flanker Finepolo Ma’afu, number eight Petelo Pouhila and skipper Oneone also adding a try and two conversions.
Tonga extended their lead after the break with two tries to Viliami Maka’afi and Pouhila getting a second.
Oneone also extended his tally with two conversions and a drop goal. Samoa’s lone consolation try came through a penalty try after a collapsed scrum five metres from the Tonga tryline.
Despite the loss, Samoa skipper Joseph Faleafaga said they had taken a lot away from this year’s tournament especially with the core of the team made up of U20 players.