beez
Reserve Grade
Posts: 250
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Post by beez on Oct 18, 2008 8:19:52 GMT 10
Tonga:
Feluti Talanoa
Cooper Vuna
Michael Jennings
Andrew Emilio
Tony Williams
Feleti Mateo
Eddie Paea
Lopini Paea
Tavita Leo Latu
Antonio Kaufusi
Richard Fa'aoso
Epalahame Lauaki
Awen Guttenbeil
Interchange (from): Willie Manu, Sam Moa, Manase Manuokafoa, Mickey Paea, Esi Tonga, Joel Taufaao.
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beez
Reserve Grade
Posts: 250
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Post by beez on Oct 18, 2008 8:21:51 GMT 10
There's now a curtain raiser for the test: Tonga Invitational U20 V NZ PIRLA Colts U20 Who are PIRLA? Pacific Island Rugby League Association. Although I have no idea how this team will be selected |
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Post by kuwaitikev on Oct 18, 2008 14:31:03 GMT 10
NZ 56 - 8 Tonga
NZ just controlled things well and gave the Tongans no room to move. Cayless, Hohaia and Vatuvei were ruled out before the start and Jeremy "search and destroy" Smith was given the captaincy armband.
Good games by Marshall (on attack) Leuluai, Smith, Ropati (on attack), Eastwood and debutant Sika Manu.
The Tongans have some work to do but will be much better for the hit out. Tevita Latu looked good and Tony Williams had a couple of monster runs on the wing.
Eddie Paea had a shocker on defense and was targetted, Faleti Mateo was largely anonymous which isn't good enough for a five-eighth.
Epalahame Lauaki spent his whole time on the field slapping people and standing over them as they tried to play the ball, contributed nothing to the game at all.
NZ tries Ropati 3, Marshall 2, Nightingale 2, Sa, Leuluai, Mannering
Goals Inu 6/8, Matai 2/2
Tonga tries Latu, Vuna
Goals E. Paea 0/1, Williams 0/1
World Cup here we come!
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Post by jessejames on Oct 18, 2008 14:42:31 GMT 10
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jim
Marquee Player
Posts: 1,150
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Post by jim on Oct 18, 2008 17:57:17 GMT 10
From the reports I heard Tonga were starved of the ball and it was more of a case of NZ playing great than Tonga playing badly. Also Tonga will get better as they go once their combo's start to gel. Let's not forget alot of team would have never played together. BTW did you ever end up getting a PNG jersey? I'm waering my new one right now ;D |
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Post by kuwaitikev on Oct 18, 2008 20:09:02 GMT 10
The Kiwi's did play well, but the Tongans also looked absolutely lost for good ideas with ball in hand. Tevita Latu was their biggest threat, although there was glimpses of form from Jennings and Williams.
I really thought this would be a lot closer.
Tonga lost Antonio Kaufusi in the first 5 minutes too to a shoulder injury, he didn't return. Also Latu looked to have dislocated his elbow in scoring his try late in the game and left the field immediately.
Basically all good news for the boys in Black, the Tongans on the other hand........
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Post by jessejames on Oct 19, 2008 8:14:32 GMT 10
From the reports I heard Tonga were starved of the ball and it was more of a case of NZ playing great than Tonga playing badly. Also Tonga will get better as they go once their combo's start to gel. Let's not forget alot of team would have never played together. BTW did you ever end up getting a PNG jersey? I'm waering my new one right now ;D yes i did ;D got it from a mart all sports... got there last 3 jerseys now... but execpt for the one they wore in the PMXIII match... but thats jus a one of jersey so aw well lol |
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