The ‘Ikale Tahi faced a challenging match against Romania, suffering a disappointing defeat of 25-15 in Bucharest after leading 15-11. This loss marks a stark contrast to last year’s victory where Tonga triumphed 45-24 over the same team in the Rugby World Cup held in France.
Head coach Tevita Tu’ifua expressed disappointment over the team’s performance, particularly in the final 20 minutes. The Tongan team made several fundamental mistakes, leading to crucial penalties that Romania capitalized on to secure the win. A critical moment occurred when a knock-on during a defensive lineout allowed Romanian winger Tevita Manumua to score, tipping the scales in favor of the hosts.
Despite having opportunities to regain the lead, the Tongans faced difficulty executing plays, including a quick tap and drive that resulted in a penalty for holding on to the ball. Additionally, a vital chance to score close to the line ended with a forward pass, eliminating their scoring opportunity. Ultimately, Romania converted three penalty kicks, sealing their victory.
Coach Tu’ifua remains optimistic despite the setback, stating that the team can learn from their mistakes and move forward. With an eye on the qualifiers for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Tonga is integrating younger players into the lineup, which could bode well for their future development and success.
In a related note, the Flying Fijians announced a strong lineup including experienced European players for their upcoming match against Wales, which highlights the ongoing strength and competitiveness of Pacific Island teams on the rugby stage.
This situation showcases the resilience of both teams as they strive for improvement and success in future matches, embracing lessons learned as they build toward future tournaments.
Leave a comment