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Fiji take maximum points in thriller
Saturday, 26 June, 1999,
Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku-alofa
Tonga 37 Fiji 39
Fiji kept alive their slender hopes of capturing the Pacific Rim Epson Cup with a heart-pounding 39-37 win over Tonga at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku-alofa.
Taking the maximum five points from the match, Brad Johnstone's team must now beat Samoa by 32 points or more in Lautoka on 3 July and score four tries to take the title. Anything less will give the trophy to Japan.
A 20-minute hat trick of tries from winger Imanueli Tiko and one from Fero Lasagavibau helped the visitors to a 29-13 half-time lead as Fiji's backline ran rings around the Tongan defence.
Centres Vili Satala and Waisake Sotutu created the gaps, while the wingers did the finishing work. The Fiji forwards contained the powerful Tongan pack and dominated the lineouts, winning four against the throw.
Tongan coach Polutele Tu'ihalamaka had strong words at the interval and made three changes for the re-start. Playing in front of King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV and backed by a partisan crowd, the Tongans then fought their way back into the game with tries from Semisi Faka'osifolau, Kuli Falatau and Kisione 'Ahota'e'iloa.
Perfect kicking from fullback Sateki Tu'ipulotu, who notched 250 points for Leeds in the English Premiership this year, twice put Tonga within two points, but a late try from halfback Sami Rabaka gave Fiji some breathing space and they managed to hold out for the win.
Fiji captain Greg Smith praised the commitment from the Fijians, who used to be known for collapsing in the last quarter.
"That was a great test of courage and character from the boys in those last 20 minutes under immense pressure," The Chiefs hooker said. "It was a complete team effort and shows how much we have learned."
Tu'ihalamaka had positive words for both teams, but admitted that mistakes at the back let them down.
"After beating France last week, we thought we could handle Fiji, but we made some errors and paid the price."
Nickly Little kicked three conversions and two penalties for a 12-point total, while Waisale Serevi, replacing the off-form Opeti Turuva in the squad, came on and kicked one conversion.
Tonga: Tries to Tiueti, Faka'osifolau, Faletau, 'Ahota'e'iloa; 3 penalties and 4 conversions to Tu'ipulotu.
Fiji: Tries to Tiko (3), Lasagavibau and Rabaka; Penalties: N Little (2); Coversions: N Little (3), Serevi.
Tonga 1-15: Puku Faletau, Fe'ao Vunipola, Ngalu Ta'u, 'Isi Fatani. Kuli Faletau, David Edwards, Kisione 'Ahota'e'iloa, Ben Hur Kivalu (replaced by Katilimoni Tu'ipulotu, 40), Sililo Marten, 'Elisi Vunipola, Tevita Tiueti, Salesi Finau (capt), Siua Taumalolo, Semisi Faka'osifolau, Sateki Tu'ipulotu.
Other reserves used: Manu Vunipola, Fepikau Tatafu.
Fiji 1-15: Niko Qoro (replaced by Dan Rouse, 54), Greg Smith (capt), Joeli Veitayaki, Simon Raiwalui, Emori Katalau, Api Naevo (replaced by Ifereimi Tawake, 75), Ili Tabua, Koli Sewabu, Sami Rabaka, Nicky Little (replaced by Waisale Serevi, 60), Imanueli Tiko, Waisake Sotutu, Vili Satala, Fero Lasagavibau, Alfred Uluinayau (temporarily replaced by Lawrence Little).
Crowd: 11,000
Referee: Atelea Aiolupo (Samoa)
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