Tonga, like England, Australia and New Zealand, have one foot in the quarter-finals after they showed what they can do in the second half of tonight’s 32-6 win over Wales.
However, Wales bossed the first 35 minutes leading 6-4 with just 4 minutes to go to halftime. But eventually Tonga’s quality took them through.
Highlights:
Evans on debut
This isn’t just about his try, but his whole debut. Evans was outstanding in defence with some try saving and some big shots and it was one of those big shots that dislodged the ball and saw him sent away by Ralph and he showed the pace and strength needed to streak away.
💥 The hit.
🙌 The try.
Kyle Evans makes his mark. #RLWC2021 #TONWAL | @WalesRugbyL @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/Brxe20EjWq
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 24, 2022
Tupou on the end of scrum move
After Wales had defended brilliantly for so long, a simple scrum move created the space for Sydney Roosters winger Daniel Tupou to stroll in.
Two tries in a minute from Tongan forwards
Tonga trailed 6-4 in the 36th minute but led at the break 16-6 after two powerful efforts from two Tongan forwards in the shape of David Fifita Keaon Koloamatangi to gain control of the game.
🇹🇴 David Fifita crashes over to give Tonga the lead.
Too strong 💪 #RLWC2021 #TONWAL pic.twitter.com/U8wdYVz7NP
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 24, 2022
Telling try from Niu
The game was all but won at the start of the second half thanks to some lovely footwork from Niu. With numbers set to the left, Niu ducked under a few tackles with some great strength and agility to get over for the try.
🇹🇴 Tesi Niu ignores the left edge to score a great try for Tonga.#RLWC2021 #TONWAL | @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/JQz1nQfnHm
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 24, 2022
Tupou claims a hat-trick
Tupou is a smart finisher and claimed his second and third of the night thanks to some smart passing plays again with the Tongans looking to their potent left edge.
Lolohea with the best no try of the tournament
After being denied by the video referee, Tui Lolohea seemed to score a try that defied the laws of physics as Lolohea kicked down field only for the ball to be wildly flicked in field where it found Lolohea in space to score but sadly Tolutau Koula’s sensational flick inside had touched the whitewash before he smuggled the ball back into play with an amazing flick. So, the try was denied.
Tonga and Tui Lolohea score the best "no try" ever.#RLWC2021 #TONWAL | @BBCSport pic.twitter.com/6FpjeFh9jx
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 24, 2022
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