The ‘Ikale Tahi faced a tough defeat against Romania, losing 25-15 after leading 15-11 for a significant portion of the match. The game took place in Bucharest and marked the first of three matches on the island nation’s European tour. This outcome was unexpected, considering that just a year earlier, Tonga had comfortably triumphed over Romania with a score of 45-24 during the Rugby World Cup in France.
Head coach Tevita Tu’ifua expressed disappointment with the team’s late-game performance, highlighting that basic mistakes led to critical penalties, which Romania effectively capitalized on. Notably, a knock-on during a defensive lineout allowed Romanian winger Tevita Manumua to score, shifting the momentum to the hosts.
Despite having opportunities to retake the lead, Tonga struggled with execution and lost possession at crucial moments. Ultimately, Romania secured their victory with three successful penalty kicks.
Tu’ifua acknowledged the shortcomings but emphasized the importance of learning from this experience as they prepare for future matches and the qualifiers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
In separate news, the Flying Fijians are gearing up for their match against Wales by reintegrating several experienced players from Europe into their lineup. Key players such as Waisea Nayacalevu and Semi Radradra will be available after missing a recent loss to Scotland due to club obligations.
This situation also illustrates the potential of the Tongans and Fijians to develop their squads with both experienced and young players, fostering growth and resilience as they aim for success on the international stage.
Overall, while Tonga’s setback against Romania is disheartening, it serves as a learning opportunity as they look towards future competitions. The inclusion of seasoned players into the Fijian roster further highlights the positive direction for Pacific rugby, promoting competitive matches that can elevate both teams.
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