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Saturday 28 April 2007
Reds book final place
Tau’uta Reds have secured a place in next weekend’s Pacific Rugby Cup final after recording a 21-14 victory over title rivals Fiji Barbarians in Tonga.
Tries either side of the interval laid the foundations for victory in what was a high quality match at Teufaiva Park, guaranteeing Tongan representation in the final for the first time in the history of the competition.
The Reds, who topped the standings entering the ‘winner takes all match’ were slow to start as the Barbarians, looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat, dominated the opening exchanges.
With bountiful possession and territory the Fijian side were in total control and opened their account through a Jo Tora penalty when the Reds were caught offside at a ruck.
However, the Barbarians were unable to convert their early pressure into tries and after Mesui Lemoto levelled the scores the Reds came storming back into the match with a converted Luditka IIolahia try which stunned the visitors and gave the Reds a 10-3 lead.
The lead was to be short lived as the Barbarians finally made their possession count mid way through the half, hitting back with a fine score through impressive centre Vereniki Goneva.
However, despite the Barbarians’ best efforts it was the Reds who went further ahead on the stroke of half-time courtesy of a second Lemoto penalty.
The home side stretched their lead to 10 points immediately after the interval when winger Ualosi Kailea crashed over for a try that gave the Reds some breathing space.
Despite some enterprising play from both sides tries proved to be at a premium as excellent defence dominated the second half. Winger Marika Vakacegu reduced the arrears for the Barbarians with two penalties to give the visitors hope of victory, but Tevita Ahoafi’s drop goal in injury time secured victory for the Reds and a place in the final.
Saturday 28 April 2007
Tau'uta Reds 21 Air Pacific Fiji Barbarians 14
Pacific Rugby Cup
Half-time:
Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa
TAU'UTA REDS: 15 Mesui Lemoto, 14 Ualosi Kailea, 13 Hudson Tonga'uiha (capt), 12 Ofa Takai, 11 Fineasi Fiefia, 10 Mataiasi Aholelei, 9 'Enele Taufa, 8 Luditka 'Ilolahia, 7 Rodney Mahe, 6 Otulea Fifita, 5 Isileli Fine, 4 Tevita Tanginoa, 3 Siosateki Mata'u, 2 Sione 'Etimoni Poteki, 1 Toma Toke
RESERVES: 16 Taniela T'ekafa, 17 Atelea Hu'akau, 18 Viliami Tupou, 19 Takai Tavalea, 20 Siope Kapeli, 21 Tevita Sikalele Ahoafi, 22 Vaea Poteki
Tries: IIolahia, Kailea; conversion: Lemoto; penalties: Lemoto (2); dropped goal: Ahoafi
AIR PACIFIC FIJI BARBARIANS: 15 Jo Tora, 14 Penaia Vakaruru (Alipate Naqaya 60), 13 Vereniki Goneva, 12 Jonetani Ratu, 11 Marika Vakacegu, 10 Jack Prasad (Jonetani Ralulu 60), 9 Seveci Taka, 8 Samu Kunanitu (Koresi Ledua 50), 7 Mosese Volavola, 6 Sam Tabua, 5 Mosese Vasuitoga (Josefa Domolailai 60), 4 Wame Lewaravu, 3 Sikeli Gavidi (Isei Colati 40), 2 Viliame Gadolo (Vereniki Sauturaga 50), 1 Apisai Turukawa (Capt)
Not used: Jock Luita
Coach: Ifereimi Tawake
Try: Goneva
Penalties: Tora, Vakacegu (2)
Pacific Rugby Cup main page
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TEIVOVO.COM – IRB PACIFIC RUGBY CUP 2007