Sport

Abrasive Tonga fail to ruffle Wales

A half-century of points might normally be described as a balm after another painful month for Wales

By IAN MALIN
Mon Nov 19 2001 - 00:00

A half-century of points might normally be described as a balm after another painful month for Wales. But Tonga's unique brand of hardcore rugby is not really suitable viewing for children or those of a nervous disposition. And this was anything but a gentle warm-up for a meeting with the world champions Australia here next Sunday.

Wales's dressing-room on Saturday evening resembled a casualty ward. Along with Anthony Sullivan's damaged shoulder, Iestyn Thomas's injured toe and Allan Bateman's leg injury were a host of bumps and bruises.

For five minutes early in the second half Tonga had 13 men on the field after their outhalf Peri Hola and the captain Inoke Afeaki had been sin binned. Ten minutes from the end the centre Gus Leger was sent off for clambering into a ruck like a hyperactive winemaker treading on grapes. To be brutally honest about a brutal team, Tonga were a disgrace.

The Welsh refused to be drawn into criticisms of the Tongans afterwards. Graham Henry, mentally battered during his worst week as Wales coach, said: "Over the years I have had a lot of experience of the Tongans and this is a good Tongan side. I was pleased at the tenacity we showed but the Australians are the best side in the world and they will be a different kettle of fish."

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Rob Howley came off best in his duel with the Swansea scrum-half Sililo Martens, scoring a gem of a try 15 minutes after the break with a 20-metre sprint to the corner after Colin Charvis's charge had sucked in the Tongan cover. After Scott Quinnell's surge from the back of the lineout won by Charvis, the young Cardiff replacements Jamie Robinson and Rhys Williams helped themselves to scores.

WALES: Morgan; Gareth Thomas, Bateman, (Robinson, 59 mins), Harris, Sullivan (R Williams, 10 mins); Jones, Howley (Peel, 74 mins); I Thomas (John, 5 mins), McBryde (B Williams, 68 mins), Morris , Gough , Moore (Wyatt, 66 mins), Charvis, Sinkinson (Gavin Thomas, 75 mins), S Quinnell (capt).

TONGA: Taufahema; Tiueti (Moi Moi, 73), Taumalolo, Leger, Taione; Hola, Martens; Pale (Lutui, 62), Ma'asi, Taumoepeau, Fakaongo, Vaki (Lokotui, 76), Naufahu, Afeaki (capt), Te Pou.

Referee: R Dickson (Scotland).