Tonga power their way to victory over Canada to close out Pacific Nations Cup campaign
Tonga have finished their Pacific Nations Cup campaign with a 33-23 victory over Canada at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji on Friday.
The power evident in the ‘Ikale Tahi’s game proved to be too much for the Canucks to handle, with all five of Tonga’s tries coming off the back of some strong ball-carrying and a confrontational style of play.
Tonga got underway strongly with a try to fullback David Halaifonua inside the first seven minutes, who took full advantage of an 8-9 play down the blindside channel from a scrum five metres outside of the Canadian tryline.
Halfback and vice-captain Sonatane Takulua landed the conversion from distance, but the North Americans hit back about 10 minutes later through the boot of Gordon McRorie, who landed a penalty from 25 metres out right in front of the sticks.
The Tongans then extended their lead through some superb inter-linking play, which stemmed from near their own 22 metre mark.
Capitalising on the dry, hard track under the Fijian sun, a number of good carries got them into the opposition red zone, and after some sustained pressure on the Canadian defensive line, it was the left wing Viliame Lolohea who went crashing over near the posts.
It took only five more minutes for their third try to be scored, with Stade Francais midfielder Malietoa Hingano punishing Canada for an overthrown lineout thanks to his clean pair of heels to outpace the lacklustre defenders.
Takulua missed the conversion, which proved to be his only missed kick at goal, and Canada were given some consolation before half-time as wing Jeff Hassler scooted over in the corner after star halfback Phil Mack bolted down the blindside from a lineout deep inside enemy territory.
Down 19-8 at the break, Canada’s chances of overturning the deficit took a hit when reserve prop Latu Talakai used his hulking frame to crash over just two minutes into the second half.
Despite an improved showing in the second stanza by Canada – which saw them dot down three more times through substitute Pat Parfrey, veteran speedster DTH van der Merwe and Hassler, who bagged himself a brace – a deserved try to Tongan No. 8 Sione Vailinu put the game to bed with little over 10 minutes remaining.
The Canadians’ weak defence was seemingly the downfall of Kingsley Jones’ side, which struggled to contain the abrasive offence that Tonga threw at them throughout the encounter.
McRorie’s goal kicking will also be a concern for the world’s 21st-ranked side, with the pivot missing four of his five attempts at goal.
The loss means Canada finish the Pacific Nations Cup winless and at the bottom of Pool B with only one point to their name.
It also leaves them with just one win from seven tests in 2019, and with just one more test against the USA and two further clashes against Leinster and the BC All-Stars between now and the World Cup, there is very limited time for the 1991 quarter-finalists to resurrect their form.
As for Tonga, the win is their first of the year following defeats to Samoa and Japan over the past fortnight, although they too remain at the bottom of their pool with five points.
The result leaves Toutai Kefu’s men in good stead for their upcoming warm-up matches against the Western Force, Fiji and the All Blacks over the coming month before their World Cup campaign kicks off against England in Sapporo on September 22.
Canada, meanwhile, will begin their tournament against Italy in Fukuoka on September 26.
Tonga 33 (Tries to David Halaifonua, Viliame Lolohea, Malietoa Hingano, Latu Talakai and Sione Vailanu; 3 conversions to Sonatane Takulua, conversion to Latiume Fosita)
Canada 23 (Tries to Jeff Hassler (2), Pat Parfrey, DTH van der Merwe; penalty goal to Gordon McRorie)
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Comments on RugbyPass
You know he can land a winning conversion after the full time siren is up. (Even if it takes two attempts.)
5 Go to commentsA very insightful article from Jake. I would love to know how South African’s feel about their move to Europe. Do you prefer playing in Europe or want to go back to Super Rugby?
2 Go to commentspure fire
1 Go to commentsA very well thought out summary of all the relevant complications…agree with your ”refer the Cricket Test versus 20/20 comparison”. More also definitely doesn't necessarily mean better!
2 Go to commentsMust be something when you are only 19 y.o and both NZ and France want you. Btw he wasn’t the only new caledonian in french U20 as Robin Couly also lived in Noumea until 17. Hope he’s successful wherever he chooses to play.
7 Go to comments“Several key players in the Stade Rochelais squad are in their thirties” South Africans are going to hate the implications of that comment!
5 Go to commentsI know Leinster did a job on La Roche but shortly after HT Leinster were 30-13 ahead of them and at a similar time Toulouse were trailing Exeter. At 60 mins Leinster were 27 ahead but after 67 mins Toulouse were only 19 ahead before Exeter collapsed. That’s heavier scoring by Leinster against the Champions. I think people are looking at Toulouses total a little too much. I also think Northhampton are in with a real chance, albeit I’d put Leinster as favourites. If Leinster make the final I expect them to win by more than ten and with control.
5 Go to commentsHey Nick, your match analysis is decent but the top and tail not so much, a bit more random. For a start there’s a seismic difference in regenerating any club side over a test team. EJ pretty much had to urinate with the appendage he’d been given at test level whereas club success is impacted hugely by the budget. Look no further than Boudjellal’s Toulon project for a perfect example. The set ups at La Rochelle and Leinster are like chalk and cheese and you are correct that Leinster are ahead. Leinster are not just slightly ahead though, they are light years ahead on their plans, with the next gen champions cup team already blooded, seasoned and developing at speed from their time manning the fort in the URC while the cream play CC and tests. They have engineered a strong talent conveyor belt into their system, supported by private money funnelled into a couple of Leinster private schools. The really smart move from Leinster and the IRFU however is maximising the Irish Revenue tax breaks (tax relief on the best 10 years earnings refunded at retirement) to help keep all of their stars in Ireland and happy, while simultaneously funding marquee players consistently. And of course Barrett is the latest example. But in no way is he a “replacement for Henshaw”, he’s only there for one season!!! As for Rob Baxter, the best advice you can give him is to start lobbying Parliament and HMRC for a similar state subsidy, but don’t hold your breath… One thing Cullen has been very smart with is his coaching team. Very quickly he realised his need to supplement his skills, there was talk of him exiting after his first couple of years but he was extremely shrewd bringing in Lancaster and now Nienaber. That has worked superbly and added a layer that really has made a tangible difference. Apart from that you were bang on the money… 😉😂
5 Go to commentsNot sure exactly what went wrong for him at Glasgow but it’s pretty clear he ain’t Franco’s cup of tea. Suspect he would have been better served heading out of Scotland around the same time as Finn, Hoggy and Jonny!
1 Go to commentsBulls disrespected the Northampton supporters and the competition. Decide quickly, fully in or out.
25 Go to commentsI wonder if Parling was ever on England’s radar as a coach? Obviously Borthwick is a great lineout coach, but I do worry he might be taking on too much as both head coach and forwards coach.
1 Go to commentsJason Jenkins has one cap. When Etzebeth was his age he had over 80 caps. Experience matters. He will never amount to what Etzebeth has because he hasn’t been developed as an international player.
2 Go to commentsSays much about the player picking this gig over the easier and bigger rewards offered to him in Japan. Also says a lot about the state sanctioned tax benefits the Irish Revenue offers pro rugby players, with their ten highest earning years subject to an additional 40% tax relief and paid as a lump sum, in cash, at retirement. Certainly helps Leinster line up the financial ducks in a row to fund marquee signings like this!!! No other union anywhere in world rugby benefits from this kind of lucrative financial sponsorship from their government…
5 Go to commentsTrue Jordie could earn a lot more in Japan. But by choosing Leinster he’ll be playing with 1 of the best clubs in the world and can win a champions cup and URC…..
6 Go to commentsThanks for that Marshy, noticed you didn't say who is gonna win it. We know who ain't gonna win it - your Crusaders outfit. They've gone from having arguably the best Super Rugby first five ever, to having a clutch of rookies. Hurricanes all the way!
1 Go to commentsGeez you really have to question the NRLs ability to produce players of quality. Its pathetic. Dont the 25mil in Aus produce enough quality womens players. Sad.
1 Go to commentsBulls fan here, and agree 100% with the conclusion (and little else) of this article. SA sides should absolutely f-off from the champs cup until we get fair scheduling, equal support for travel arrangements and home semis. You know, like all the european teams get.
25 Go to commentsI’m yet to see why Grace would be an ABs contender. He’s pedestrian and lacks the dominance required of a top flight 8.
11 Go to commentsGee my Highlanders were terrible. They have gone backwards since the start of the season. The trouble began when we left Millar behind to prep as the 10 against the Brumbies and he was disconnected from the team that came back from Aussie. We rested Patchell for that game and we blew an avalanche of ball in good attacking positions in the 1st half. Against the Rebels we seem to of gone into a pod system with forwards hanging off from the breakdown leaving Fakatava to secure our ball!
80 Go to commentsPot Kettle, the English and French teams have done it for years.
25 Go to comments