Tonga end Samoa's unbeaten run
June 24, 2000

Samoa's unbeaten run in the 2000 Pacific Rim rugby union tournament ended in its third game on Saturday when Tonga won 16-13 in front of a partisan home crowd.

Samoa camped in Tongan territory for much of the first half and mounted attack after attack on the home side's line but could not break through.

Tonga hit back out wide, with wingers Aisea Havili and Taunaholo Taufahema scoring tries and fullback Siua Taumalolo picking up two penalties to lead 16-3 at half-time.

Samoan fly half Tanner Vili contributed Samoa's only first half points, slotting home his third penalty attempt.

Samoa made amends for the first half frustration early in the second half when Vili kicked a penalty after two minutes and then winger Afato So'oalo made the most of an overlap to score in the corner. Vili made the conversion to close the gap to 16-13.

Tonga never scored in the second half but came close in the dying moments when the forward pack pushed over the line. But the ball was not forced and the referee called full time.

The win in front of about 4,000 at Nuku'alofa's Teufaiva Stadium was Tonga's second in the competition and came a week after a 102-0 thrashing at the hands of New Zealand.

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