Tongans impress on debut
Tonga made an eye-catching debut in the Churchill Cup as they hammered the US Eagles 44-13 at Esher.
Last Updated: 08/06/11 10:56pm
Tonga made an eye-catching debut in the Churchill Cup as they hammered the US Eagles 44-13 at Esher.
Winger Viliami Iongi showed the form that has seen him make the Brumbies Academy with four tries as the Tongans turned a 13-10 half-time lead into a landslide.
Iongi scored an early try that was converted by Kurt Morath, who also kicked a penalty to give Tonga a 10-0 lead.
But the US enjoyed their best period of play after Morath cancelled Nesi Malifa's penalty, Tonga prop Tonga Lea'aetoa being yellow carded for a high-tackle leading to the Eagles' only try of the game, Louis Stanfill charging down the field for Paul Emerick to finish off in the corner.
Scott Lavalla, who scored the States' consolation try against England last week, almost went in again but scrum-half Soane Havea forced him to knock on.
Tim Usasz pulled an early second-half penalty wide and things got worse when Eteuni Siua got away from Roland Suniula and put Iongi away for his second, Morath adding the extras.
He then kicked his side into a 23-10 lead before Shawn Pittman found himself sin-binned for a high-tackle.
The Eagles tried to rally but eventually they were overrun, Iongi completing his hat-trick in style.
Lavalla went close to the line at the other end but the ensuing three-pointer was small beer as Iongi made it four on the night before Pasuka Mapakaitolo touched down to round out the scoring.
