As Tonga commemorates the 50th anniversary of their remarkable victory over the Wallabies in 1973, the surviving heroes from that iconic match are being celebrated in the capital city of Nuku’alofa. The Tongan triumph remains etched in rugby history as one of the sport’s greatest upsets, and the players who made it possible are still revered throughout the islands.
The match, which took place on a Saturday afternoon at Ballymore, saw Tonga’s national team secure a stunning 16-11 victory over Peter Sullivan’s Wallabies. For the conquerors, the memories of that historic day continue to be cherished, while the defeated Wallabies would prefer to forget their names being associated with that match.
The celebrations in Nuku’alofa this past week have brought together the dwindling number of heroes from 1973. The significance of their achievement is often likened to Tonga’s own moon landing. The likes of Valita Ma’ake, who delivered bone-rattling tackles to Wallabies’ fullback Arthur McGill and winger Owen Stephens, and inspirational captain Sione Mafi, who have since passed away, are fondly remembered.
Tali Kavapalu, a center who later made his mark with Wests rugby in Sydney, scored the final try from 50 meters out to seal the victory after the Wallabies lost possession during an attacking move. The fondness for the history-makers of ’73 remains strong, as evidenced by the enduring reverence for their contribution.
The impact of that momentous win goes beyond the rugby field. The Tongan connection in Australian rugby, which is still prevalent today, owes much to the efforts of Faitai Kefu. Kefu, who enjoyed his time in Brisbane so much that he later returned to play club rugby for the Souths Magpies, has played a pivotal role in cultivating the bond between the two nations. Two of his sons, Toutai and Steve, went on to represent the Wallabies and win the World Cup. In 2003, Toutai, Fa’aleo Tupi, Sione Mafi, and Kefu played together for Souths in a first-grade game.
Reflecting on the challenges faced by the Tongan players who arrived in Brisbane during the 1970s, Toutai Kefu expressed admiration for their bravery and resilience. “It took some bravery for those players to come to Brisbane in the 1970s, basically with no education, no money, and no English,” he remarked. “My father lay bitumen on the roads. There were laboring and factory jobs, and Souths helped out.”
The celebration match between Tonga’s Ikale Tahi and Australia A on July 14 holds tremendous significance for Toutai Kefu, who is now the coach of Tonga’s national team. He believes that once the fans are in the stadium, they won’t care whether they are watching Australia A players or Wallabies being subjected to bone-crushing tackles. The victory over the Wallabies in 1973 is hailed as the most iconic moment in Tonga’s rugby history, and the celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary have reignited discussions and memories of that monumental achievement.
Rugby Australia and the Australian Government, through the PacificAus Sports program, have played an instrumental role in recognizing and supporting the celebrations. Geoff Richardson and John Cole, both Wallabies who played in the fateful match, will be present in Nuku’alofa as guests when Australia A visits.
Rugby has a unique way of bringing people together, as demonstrated by the unexpected encounter between Dr. Mark Loane, a former Wallaby, and Toutai Kefu in Tonga in 2019. Dr. Loane, who is now a prominent ophthalmic surgeon in Queensland, attended a gathering of the Tongan World Cup team where he shared his memories of the 1973 match. One particular memory he recounted was Sione Mafi running over him and smiling—an image that haunted him.
At the age of 18, Dr. Loane was dropped from the team after that Test match against Tonga, which he believes ultimately saved his medical career. Although initially disappointed, he later recognized that it gave him the opportunity to focus on his studies. Dr. Loane went on to become a Wallaby great, captaining the team to a famous Bledisloe Cup victory over the All Blacks in 1979.
Dr. Loane views the Tonga Test as a defining moment rather than a failure. It set the Wallabies on a path to success and paved the way for the hard work required to become a top Test side. The legacy of the Tongan pioneers who played for the jersey and their families continues to resonate in Australian rugby to this day.
The upcoming celebratory match between Tonga and Australia A holds great significance as both teams prepare for the World Cup. Rugby Australia and the Australian Government’s support for the event highlights their commitment to fostering strong connections and recognizing the historical significance of the 1973 upset. The passion and pride of Tongan rugby are once again on display, ensuring that the memory of their legendary victory endures.
Source: Rugby.com.au
