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Nili Latu scored a try for Tonga
Photo copyright: © Getty Images
Two late tries break Tonga's duck
5 July 2008, 8:39 am
Tonga had to come from behind to record their third consecutive win over Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup. In doing so the Tongans recorded their first success of the 2008 competition.
Behind 13-7 at half-time to a debut try from Saula Radidi and Taniela Rawaqa'a conversion and two penalties, the Tongans were also trailing 16-15 with 10 minutes to go.
Tonga's only first-half points came from hooker Epraim Taukafa's try and Pierre Hola's conversion.
Rawaqa'a penalty added three more points to Fiji's total but Seti Kiole's try and Vungakoto Lilo's penalty kept the Tongans in touch.
The decisive tries came from captain Nili Latu and Epi Taione and rewarded Tonga's late surge and dominance in the set piece.
The defeat also saw Fiji drop a place in the IRB world rankings to 11th.
Tonga 27 (Ephraim Taukafa, Seti Kiole, Nili Latu, Epi Taione tries; Pierre Hola conversion; Fangatapu Apikatoa conversion; Lilo Vungakoto penalty)
Fiji 16 (Saula Radidi try; Taniela Rawaqa conversion, 3 penalties)
HT: 7-13
