The ‘Ikale Tahi faced a heartbreaking loss to Romania, going down 25-15 after leading 15-11 with only 20 minutes remaining in their match in Bucharest. This defeat comes as a disappointment for the Tongan team, considering they had triumphed over the same opponents just a year ago during the Rugby World Cup in France, where they had a convincing 45-24 victory.
Head coach Tevita Tu’ifua expressed his disappointment, acknowledging that their finish did not meet expectations during the first of three matches on their European tour. The team struggled with mistakes, conceding crucial penalties that allowed Romania to capitalize on their opportunities and score 14 points to secure the win. A critical moment in the match occurred when a knock-on from a defensive lineout led to a try for Tevita Manumua, putting the hosts ahead with a narrow 16-15 lead.
Despite two promising chances to regain the lead, Tonga’s efforts faltered as they were penalized for holding onto the ball and later lost possession near the goal line. Romania then sealed their victory with three successful penalty kicks.
Moving forward, Tu’ifua noted, “We gave that away as we made too many mistakes. But we will learn and move on to the next one.” The team is focused on building towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifiers, allowing young players to gain valuable experience on the field.
In other rugby news, the Flying Fijians have bolstered their lineup for an upcoming match against Wales by bringing back several experienced players from Europe, including captain Waisea Nayacalevu and center Semi Radradra. This clash is set to unfold at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, showcasing the team’s readiness and determination to perform.
While the loss for Tonga is disheartening, it serves as a learning opportunity for the team. With their sights set on future competitions, including the World Cup qualifiers, the experience gained from these matches could prove invaluable as they develop their squad.
The Flying Fijians, meanwhile, are set to put their best foot forward against Wales, creating a sense of anticipation for fans eager to see their favorite players in action once again.
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