Saturday 14 April 2007

Tau'uta Reds stun Upolu Samoa in top of the table clash

The Tau'uta Reds secured top place on the Pacific Rugby Cup competition ladder with a dramatic 31-30 victory over fellow final aspirants Upolu Samoa in Apia.
 
The Reds brought the large, vocal Samoan crowd to silence when full back Mesui Kailea kicked a 40 metre penalty right on full time to secure a famous one point victory.
 
It was a stunning rugby performance from both teams played in perfect conditions at the picturesque Marist Grounds in Apia and arguably the match of the tournament so far.
 
From the opening whistle the two teams sort to gain the upper hand with explosive forward play and open, innovative running in the backs. However, it was the Reds who skipped to an early lead on the foundation of ferocious forward play.

Using their now-trademark pick and go game coupled with some stirling driving mauls, it was the Reds forward pack that was suprisingly gaining valuable yards for the Tau'uta team in the opening stanza.
 
Following a frenetic opening 20 minutes the game settled into a steady rhythm with both teams keen to probe the opposition backlines with decisive and cunning rugby.Upolu 5/8 Douglas Tausili had a masterful game steering his exciting backline and continually turning the Reds backs around with deft and well-positioned kicks.
 
But a fast and furious Reds backrow of Kapeli, Sikalu and Fifita ensured great possession for their backs, who grew in confidence as the game progressed to give opportunity to their perhaps under-utilised, but undoubtedly talented backline.
 
Upolu looked to have the game won after a sensational 60 metre team try finishing down the right flank with just five minutes to go. But sadly for the Upolu team, much like their fellow countrymen Savai'i a day earlier in Sigatoka, ill-discipline cost them the match and seriously dented any aspirations they have of hosting the final.
 
Mindful of the clock right and their weary opposition, the Reds were happy to revert to their 'pick and go' game in the dying seconds, hoping for an Upolu indiscretion. And it came, about 40 metres out and in front of the posts when the desperate Upolu forwards where penalised for diving over in the ruck.

It was an invite that required no RSVP and the Reds kicked the ensuing penalty much to the disappointment of the large crowd and no doubt to a brilliant Upolu team.

The one point victory was a fitting result for these two fantastic teams that played a sensational game of rugby - delighting the large crowd and dempsntrating why the 2007 IRB Pacific Rugby Cup continues to grow in stature.
 
The Reds catch the boat to Savai'i to face the desperate defending champions in a historic match at the Prince Edward Park in the island paradise of Savai'i, while Upolu head to Nuku'alofa to face Tautahi Gold, who are on a high after their victory over the Warriors on Saturday.
 
The final match of Round 4 will see the local derby in Fiji as the Warriors take on the Barbarians in Lautoka.


Saturday 14 April 2004
Tau'uta Reds 31 Upolu Samoa 30
Pacific Rugby Cup - Round three
Apia

UPOLU SAMOA: 1 Tome Toka, 2 Sione Poteki, 3 Siosataki Mata'u, 4 Kelafoi Halafihi, 5 Iseleli Fine, 6 Siope Kapeli, 7 Ateinaisa Sikalu, 8 Otulua Fifita, 9 Enele Taufa, 10 Mataisi Aholelei, 11 Sione Tuakoi, 12 Ofa Takai, 13 Hudson Tongaiuiha, 14 Ualasi Lailea, 15 Mesui Kailea
REPLACEMENTS: 16 Atelea Hauilau, 17 Tevita Fonua, 18 Tevita Tanginoa, 19 Taualea Takai, 20 Tevita Ahoafi, 21 Fineasi Fiefia, 22 Tukitoa Na'a

TAU’UTA REDS: 1 Donald Kerslake, 2 Muliufi Salanoa, 3 Solomona Tavita, 4 Olaifale Pipili, 5 Tui Fitiao, 6 Alapasa Cortz, 7 Garry Saifoloi, 8 Mussolini Faalupega, 9 Notise Tauafao, 10 Douglas Tausili, 11 Samu Eteuati, 12 Mussolini Schuster, 13 Paletuatoa Toelupe, 14 Timoteo Iosua, 15 Gafa Siitia, REPLACEMENTS: 16 Andrew Williams, 17 John Tusiupu, 18 Simika Mikaele, 19 Sirovai Sila, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Reupena Vaeagi, 22 Orion Kiel


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