What's happening
Wales - Tonga

October 19 Match

WHAT'S HAPPENING? (posted 20th October 2003)
Wales and Tonga met for a clash in Canberra last night. Wales won the clash 27-20 and the scoreline reflected the closeness of the two teams. Tonga actually scored three tries, one more than Wales, and despite looking like they could cause an upset throughout the match, they were not to walk away with the win.

Half way through the first half Wales were leading 11 points to three, but soon after Tonga fought back when Hola chipped and chased to score a try which he promptly converted. Within just one point of Wales, Tonga were looking promising, but Wales got a three pointer before the half time break bringing the score to 14-10 in favour of the Welsh.

After the half time break, Wales' Stephen Jones potted another penalty goal, and had a few more attempts which he missed. Meanwhile Williams almost scored a try but was held up within goal. Nice defence Tonga! A Welsh field goal and then a rolling maul try from Tongan Kivalu saw the score sitting at 20-15! Not too shabby at all for the underdogs. But, sadly for the Tongans Wales then scored and converted. The Tongans weren't about the hang up their boots though and came back at Wales. Finally, in the last two minutes of play Lavaka from Tonga crossed to score Tonga's third try. While Tonga didn't win the game, they did pick up a bonus point for finishing within the seven points. Another great RWC battle, but sadly for the Tongans it probably means that making the final eight is now a very slim chance as they would have to beat both New Zealand and Canada in order to do so. Still - you never know!