Tonga’s National Rugby Union team, the Ikale Tahi, kicked off their preparation for the Rugby World Cup on a high note with a convincing victory over Australia A, with final scores at 27-21. The game was sold out with over 10,000 fans at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa.
The Coach, former Wallaby Toutai Kefu said in selecting the 35-man squad that this is probably the best team Tonga has ever fielded. The squad includes former All Blacks like Malakai Fekitoa. Charles Piutau, and Ben Tameifuna; as well as former Wallabies like Israel Folau.
‘Ikale Tahi will play Fiji next Saturday in Lautoka; and then return to Tonga to play two matches against Canada the following week. It is a special year for rugby in Tonga, celebrating 100 years, and 50 years since Tonga won a game against the Wallabies in Brisbane in 1973.