Jubilation by the Manu Samoa at convincing win over the Ikale Tahi of Tonga at the Apia Park Stadium
By Staff Writer
Despite the off-field distractions facing Samoan Rugby, all was well again in our sacred oval of Apia Park as Manu Samoa outmuscled a physical Ikale Tahi Tonga 43-17. It was certainly a performance befitting the 100 years celebration of Samoan Rugby.
More importantly it keeps Samoa’s semifinal hopes alive in the revamped Pacific Nations Cup tournament.
The men in blue led by determined Skipper Theo Mcfarland controlled the game with outstanding defence keeping the Tonga scoreless in the first half. Manu centre Stacey Ili opened scoring in the 18th Minute with a hard run to breach the Tongan Defence.
A few minutes later Hometown favourite halfback Melani Matavao sliced open the defence with a set move from scrum, before quick passing to Ili and then to speedster winger Tuna Tuitama who scored in the corner. A penalty from Manu Flyhalf Alai Dangelo Leuila extended Samoas lead 17-0 till halftime.
In the second half the Manu Samoa started strongly with an intercept by winger Tomasi Alosio who took it to the tongan 22 before Alai combined with Skipper Theo to set up Tuitama for his second try of the game in the 42nd minute.
Exciting young Flanker Izaiah Moore-Aiono also scored twice in the second half as he continued his impressive form at Apia Park.
The way the game was going one would think this was going to be a shut out, however the Visitors had other plans, with Moana Pasifika loose forward Lotu Inisi leading the way. The Tongan number 8 scored twice in the 57 and 63rd minute to keep the Visitors competitive in the second half.
In the 77th Minute Lock Samuel Slade stamped the Manu’s win with a runaway try to seal it 43-17.
The win was a much needed bounce back for the team after last week’s heavy defeat to Fiji. Samoa will now go on bye while Tonga heads home to face the Flying Fijians.
If Samoa maintains its position then it will be able to compete in the knock-out Finals Series where the two best-ranked teams in each pool A (Fiji, Samoa, Tonga) and Pool B ( Japan, Canada, USA) will play the semi-finals (A1 v B2 and B1 v A2) and the third-ranked teams will compete in the 5th-6th play-off.
The third-place play-off and final will be played on the final weekend crowning the Pacific Nations Cup champion. The finals will be held in either USA or Japan.