Flying Fijians edge Ikale Tahi 25-22 in Epson Cup thriller in Nukualofa
More than 4,000 spectators packed Teufaiva Park in Nukualofa to watch the Flying Fijians overturn a first-half deficit and prevail 25-22 over Tonga in the Epson Cup on Friday, May 26, 2000.
Fly-half Nicky Little was the difference for Fiji, landing six penalties and one conversion to steer his side to the win. Little’s kicking helped silence a Tonga comeback as the Ikale Tahi fought back from an early disadvantage. The Tongans, led by a relentless Elisi Vunipola, crossed the line for three converted tries, rewarding a bold attacking approach and capitalizing on defensive lapses by Fiji.
Tonga held the advantage at the break, leading 17-6, before Fiji mounted a second-half revival. After Little opened Fiji’s scoring through a late penalty in the first half, the hosts drew level in the second period as Fiji pressed to close the gap. A dropped ball by Fiji’s Norman Ligairi set up a Tonga reply for a try, keeping the game in reach for the home side.
The turning point came late in the match when Fiji levelled the scores at 22-22, setting the stage for Little’s decisive penalty that sealed a 25-22 victory for the Flying Fijians.
This match adds another chapter to the storied Fiji-Tonga rugby rivalry, a fixture rich in drama and national pride. The Fiji-Tonga clashes have long shaped Pacific rugby, with notable moments from decades past, including Fiji’s 32-9 win over Tonga in the 1987 Pacific Nations Cup, a performance highlighted by Severo Koroduadua’s influential kicking and Tom Mitchell’s game-changing contributions as Fiji asserted regional dominance for a day. The 2000 Epson Cup encounter continued that tradition of hard-fought contests between the two islands.
Summary
A dramatic Epson Cup clash in Nukualofa saw Fiji come from behind to beat Tonga 25-22, driven by Nicky Little’s precise kicking and a late surge that overwhelmed Tonga’s three-try showing. The result underscored Fiji’s capacity to prevail in tight, physical matches against their Pacific rivals.
Editorial notes and context
– The Fiji-Tonga rivalry has deep roots and has produced many memorable battles; this game reinforced that ongoing narrative.
– Rugby fans may appreciate a look back at the broader history of Fiji-Tonga clashes, including notable performances from the era such as Fiji’s 1987 win in Suva and the evolving professional era in later decades.
– Potential social media angles: highlight Little’s boot, Vunipola’s impact for Tonga, and the late-game twist that decided the match.
Potential follow-ups
– A player-by-player recap for those who want deeper insights into the 2000 Epson Cup clash.
– Side-by-side comparison of pre-professional era and modern Fiji-Tonga encounters to illustrate how preparation and recovery approaches have evolved.
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