Former All Black back-row Vaea Fifita scored a marvellous try for Tonga in their 36-12 win over Canada at Teufaiva Stadium in their Rugby World Cup warm-up.
The star man showed the kind of running ability that earned him the chance to don the black jersey between 2017 and 2019 as he went on a solo charge to score a top try.
Vaea Fifita just ran around half the Canadian side like he was going for a stroll in the park. Easy kick for Takulua. Tonga 19, Canada 0. 25 minutes gone.
— Bryan Ray (@raysrugby) August 15, 2023
It was one of three first-half tries that began with Sosefo Sakalia opening the scoring after just five minutes had elapsed in the game. It was not too much longer before the hosts crossed the whitewash again with Kyran Taumoefolau scoring after 17 minutes.
Fifita had his moment of brilliance just five minutes later before Sakalia crossed to complete his brace of tries on the day to give his side a 26-0 lead at the break with the help of Sonatane Takulua’s boot as he converted three of the tries.
Different second period
Taumoefolau opened the scoring after the break crossing in the 45th minute for his second which preceded a lengthy lull in the scoring.
That was until Canadian Isaac Olsen scored the first of his two tries in the 64th minute. Tonga would reply through Samiuela Moli 10 minutes later but Olsen would have the final say as he scored in the 77th minute.
The second half was certainly not what the Tongan would have hoped for but the free-scoring first period carried them over the line.
The Pacific side have completed all their warm-up games ahead of the Rugby World Cup and coach Toutai Kefu will be announcing his squad for the global showpiece on Friday.
Tonga’s group at the World Cup is arguably the most difficult as it features world number-one ranked Ireland, defending champions South Africa and an in-form Scotland side alongside Romania.
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