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Late burst lifts Tonga to first Pacific Nation Cup victory this year

A two-try closing burst lifted Tonga to their first win in this year’s Pacific Nations Cup when they came from behind to beat Fiji 27-16 yesterday.

The victory also allowed Tonga to maintain an unbeaten record against their traditionally stronger Fijian rivals in the three-year history of the tournament.

In the final round match in the six-nation tournament, third-placed Fiji looked to be in control when they led 16-15 four minutes from time, before Tonga’s standout performers Nili Latu and Epi Taione bagged tries.

The late scoring spree, boosted by a conversion from Fangatapu Apikatoa, was in sharp contrast to the opening stages of the match when Fiji dominated possession and territory.

Their preference for moving the ball wide tested the Tongan defense and only a series of 50-50 passes which went to ground restricted the Fijians to a 13-7 lead at halftime.

Fiji scored first when Dan Rawaqa landed the first of his three penalties, before Tonga came back against the run of play with the opening try of the match when hooker Ephraim Taukafa was driven over the line. Pierre Hola’s conversion put the home side ahead 7-3.

From the restart Hola’s clearing kick was charged down, allowing Saula Radidi in for the easiest of tries. Rawaqa landed the conversion and another penalty for Fiji to take a six-point advantage.

Tonga regained the lead early in the second spell with a penalty by Lilo Vungakoto and a try wide out by Seti Kiole, capping a rare back-line move by the home team.

Another Rawaqa penalty put Fiji back in front 16-15 and they looked to have the game in hand until the Tongan forwards massed for the big finish.
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