The ‘Ikale Tahi faced a disappointing setback in their European tour, losing to Romania 25-15 in Bucharest despite holding a 15-11 lead with just 20 minutes remaining. This result is a significant contrast to their previous encounter, where they convincingly defeated Romania 45-24 at the Rugby World Cup in France just a year ago.
Head coach Tevita Tu’ifua expressed disappointment in the team’s performance, highlighting that critical mistakes and penalties allowed Romania to capitalize on their chances and secure victory. A pivotal moment came when a defensive lineout error gave Romania’s Tevita Manumua the opportunity to score, edging them ahead 16-15.
Despite two promising opportunities to retake the lead, the Tongans struggled to execute their plays, resulting in lost possession and further penalties that enabled the Romanian side to score three successful penalty kicks, sealing their win.
While this match did not go as planned, coach Tu’ifua remains optimistic, stating, “We will learn and move on to the next one.” The team is focused on preparing for the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, with many young players receiving valuable game time.
In other developments, the Flying Fijians are set to bolster their lineup with the return of several experienced European players as they prepare to face Wales in Cardiff. Key players, including captain Waisea Nayacalevu and centre Semi Radradra, will look to enhance the team’s performance after missing the previous match against Scotland due to club commitments.
Both teams are on an upward trajectory, seeking to refine their skills and gather momentum as they work towards upcoming competitions.
This match serves as an important learning opportunity for the Tongans, showcasing the challenges that lie ahead but also providing a chance to grow and improve as a team.
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