Tonga defeated an Australia ‘A’ side in front of a sold out crowd at the Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa to get their Rugby World Cup preparations off to the best possible start.
Featuring several newly eligible stars, Tonga showed glimpses of just how dangerous they could be, come the tournament’s kick-off in September.
Stacked with some of the game’s most talented individuals who have previously represented tier one nations, Tonga will hold no fear when facing the game’s best.
One of these world class talents is former Bristol Bears star Charles Piutau who created one of the more chaotic tries you will see.
Launching from a midfield scrum, the Tongans initially had the Australian defence going down the blindside before the number eight broke down the openside.
From here the ball went through the hands to Piutau who pulled off an offload that Sonny-Bill Williams would’ve been proud of.
Once offloaded, the game descended into chaos as winger Fine Inisi kicked ahead.
As its want from time to time, the Rugby ball bounced back up awkwardly wreaking havoc for the Australian defence.
In all of the confusion, Tonga bounced for what was their fourth try of the evening as Sonatane Takulua did as all good nines should and cleaned up the mess.
Check it out!
And this is why the changes to the world rugby eligibility laws were brought in.
Tonga led by several veterans who have represented tier one nations blitzed an Australia ‘A’ side yesterday.
ADVERTISEMENTHow about this offload form Piutau to set up their fourth try…#RWC2023 pic.twitter.com/rBlnDjZR9E
— Philip Bendon (@PBendon) July 14, 2023
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