Young Ikale Tahi too Powerful

March 27, 2004

Tonga 39 Vs USA 0

Tonga proved too good for the USA in their IRB U19 Rugby World Championship match at Woodburn Stadium in Pietermaritzburg running out 39-0 winners.

The match was action-packed and started off at great pace, but as the game wore on so the quality of rugby deteriorated with it.

Tonga were too clinical, powerful and patient for the USA, who demonstrated great heart but lacked the fire-power that Tonga has by the bucketful.
The Americans were hard-pressed to sustain wave after wave of Tongan attack, and spent the entire first half, and much of the second half tackling their hearts out.

All credit must go to them for their defense, which at times was outstanding, and although the Tongans scored five tries, that number could have been much higher if not for the tenacious defense of the Americans.

For Tonga Mafileo Piei, Paea Sisitoutai, Sione Lavaka, Isileli Fatava and Robert Lolohea scored tries. Tupou Palu kicked two conversions, and Lataimuli Anitoni kicked one conversion and one penalty.

Tonga plays Namibia on Wednesday 31st at Durban High School followed by Uruguay on April 4th at University.