Tonga proved to be too strong again for Uruguay
Photo: Stephen Scullion
20 APRIL 2007
By Ian McFarlane
Tonga held their nerve to beat Uruguay 24-14 to secure fifth place in Division B at the IRB Under 19 World Championship 2007 at Queen’s.
Despite being in the lead at half time, Uruguay threatened to come back in the second half, but Tonga stuck to their game plan and finished as winners to repeat their 36-5 victory from the pool matches..
Tonga centre Sione Toke claimed the first try in the first minute. A Uruguay relieving kick was charged down and gathered by Toke who crossed in the corner.
The advantage was further increased when lock Finau Tupa made an opening to slip a pass inside to Mateo Malupo who ran in unchallenged, with Toke adding the conversion for a 12-0 lead.
Uruguay hit back strongly and were rewarded with a try in the 21st minute. A Tongan pass went astray and full back Jeronimo Etcheverry gathered the ball to round the defence for a try that fly half German Albanell converted.
Shortly before half time Uruguay brought themselves to within two points when Albanell kicked a penalty to leave them trailing by two points at the break.
Having forced their way back into contention Uruguay sought to move into the lead and having made ground with an excellent break, Juan de Freitas attempted to free wing Leandro Leivas but the pass drifted forward.
The game was becoming more competitive when Edgardo Benitez took advantage of good rucking and mauling from the forward pack to cross the line and put Uruguay three points ahead.
With only 10 minutes remaining Tonga began spreading the play and earned the reward with a third try when Salesi Sete surged down the left wing to score.
Victory was guaranteed two minutes into time added when Tone Tukufuka latched onto a kick ahead to dive on the ball in the in goal area.
Uruguay have retained their sixth place finish from 2006, whilst Tonga have dropped down from second place in 2006.
QUOTES
Tonga Manager Ellis Meachen: “We scored early and set ourselves up for the win. We knew that Uruguay would be strong. The players will gain enormously from the experience in this championship and we look forward to the next one.”
Tonga lock Tevita Tangi: “I am pretty happy with the win. We were disappointed not to get into the final but we gave it our best. It was a really good experience and hope that we can do better next year."
Uruguay captain Matias Fonseca: “I feel very proud of the team and am very proud to be the coach of this team. When I decided to manage the team I said the aim was to make good players for the senior national team and improve their performances.”
Uruguay Head Coach: Martin Mendaro
“It was a tight game and we played well but so did Tonga. A few mistakes cost us the victory. We finished the championship well despite a poor start.”
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