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Little gives Fiji big boost with last-gasp penalty
Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa. Friday, 26 May, 2000
Epson Cup Pacific Rim championship
Tonga 22 Fiji 25
Fiji's rugby team gave their troubled nation a brief reason to smile last Friday by snatching a dramatic 25-22 Epson Cup victory over Tonga in Nuku'alofa.
Amid the political stand-off in Suva, the match venue was switched to Teufaiva Stadium in the Tonga capital but Greg Smith's team rose to the occasion and came away still atop the Pacific Rim table.
With 20 points needed from the boot of fly-half Nicky Little, who nearly missed the national trials because of club commitments with England's Sale, Smith will have concerns over Fiji's ball-handling errors. But the manner in which they clawed their way back in the second half after trailing 17-6 at the break showed tremendous character.
Smith, however, preferred the term "gradually took control" as opposed to "hung on", pointing out that Tonga's three tries came from defensive lapses.
Tonga, without coach Dave Waterston who returned to South Africa, had strengthened their team from the one that lost 29-11 to Canada a week ago with several overseas-based players joining the squad.
Fiji appeared a little intimidated in the first half, with Tonga fired up in front of a vocal home crowd. But a half-time rocket from Smith saw the visitors come out after the break full of confidence.
Tries by 'Aisea Havili, 'Epafasi Ta'ufo'ou and 'Elisi Vunipola gave Tonga a 22-15 lead with five minutes to play.
But fullback Jonetani Waqa, back at his best following last year's nasty injury, pulled Fiji within two points with a late try. Little duly converted well and shrugged off the pressure to kick the winning points in the third-minute of injury-time.
Taunaholo Taufahema had a chance to draw Tonga level a minute later, but pushed his penalty goal attempt wide.
Smith and his men fly to Apia on Tuesday for the match against Manu Samoa in what many expect will decide the Epson Cup.
Tonga (1-15): Ta'u Fainga'anuku, Latiume Maka, Tevita Taumoepeau, Isileli Fatani, Benhur Kivalu, Feleti Fakaongo, Kisione 'Ahota'e'iloa, Katilimoni Tu'ipulotu, Sioeli Nau, 'Elisi Vunipola (Capt), 'Epeli Taione, Tevita Tiueti, 'Epafasi Ta'ufo'ou, 'Aisea Havili, Taunaholo Taufahema
Reserves: Viliami Ma'asi, Hotili 'Asi, Christopher Hala'ufia, Fakataha Molitika, Movete 'Oto'ota, Sione Mone, Solomone Matangi
Tries: 'Aisea Havili, 'Epafasi Ta'ufo'ou, 'Elisi Vunipola. Conversions: Taunaholo Taufahema (2). Penalty goal: Taufahema.
Fiji (1-15): Joe Veitayaki, Isaia Rasila, Paula Biu, Simon Raiwalui (capt), Emori Katalau, Sailosi Naiteqe, Alifereti Doviverata, Inoke Male (Jope Tuikabe), Mosese Rauluni, Nicky Little, Manu Tiko (Norman Ligairi), Sirilo Lala, Saimoni Rokini, Alipate Naqaya (Jolame Nadolo), Jonetani Waqa.
Try: Jonetani Waqa. Conversion: Nicky Little. Penalty goals: Little (6).
Half-time: 17-6
Crowd: 4,000
Referee: Anetere'a Aiolupotea (Samoa)
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