Tonga makes World Cup statement with Canadian rout
MATCH REPORT: Tonga sent a powerful message to fellow Pool B competitors at the World Cup with a comprehensive 28-3 win over Canada in Nuku'alofa on Thursday.
It was Canada's first appearance in Nuku'alofa since 1999 and it was the first of a two-match series that marks the centenary of Tonga rugby.
Tonga - despite playing the bulk of the second half with 14 men - simply had too much pace and power for the Canadians to handle.
Hooker Sam Moli opened the scoring for the home team in the fourth minute, getting an armchair ride at the back of a maul.
Peter Nelson got Canada on the board with a penalty.
Tongan captain Sonatake Takulua and No.8 Sione Vailanu scored two further first-half tries to see the hosts take a 21-3 lead into the half-time break.
Five minutes into the second half George Moala was red-carded for a dangerous tackle on an opponent.
Tonga managed a solitary second-half try, with Vailanu getting his second of the match.
"We put ourselves under pressure," Canadian co-captain Lucas Rumball said.
"What really let us down was our completion under pressure.
"There were too many knock-ons, too many missed errors.
"We're going to be very disappointed when we review this game.
"It felt like we had all the possession, it felt like we had all the ball, it felt like we were playing in the right areas.
"However, we were not able to finish and put ourselves under so much pressure.
"Then they capitalised on our mistakes right away."
The two teams will meet at the same venue again next Tuesday.
The scorers
For Tonga
Tries: Moli, Takulua, Vailanu 2
Cons: Pellegrini 4
For Canada
Pen: Nelson
Red card: George Moala (Tonga, 45 - foul play, dangerous tackle)
Teams:
Tonga: 15 Afusipa Taumoepeau, 14 Kyren Taumoefolau, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 George Moala, 11 Fine Inisi, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Tane Takulua (captain), 8 Sione Vailanu, 7 Sione Havili, 6 Solomone Funaki, 5 Tanginoa Halaifonua, 4 Steve Mafi, 3 David Lolohea, 2 Sam Moli, 1 Tau Koloamatangi.
Replacements: 16 Paula Ngauamo, 17 Fe'ao Fotu'aika, 18 Ben Tameifuna, 19 Vaea Fitita, 20 Lopeti Timani, 21 Johnny Ika, 22 Otumaka Mausia, 23 Solomone Kata.
Canada: 15 Peter Nelson, 14 Kainoa Lloyd, 13 Ben LeSage, 12 Spencer Jones, 11 Isaac Olson, 10 Robbie Povey, 9 Ross Braude, 8 Siaki Vikilani, 7 Lucas Rumball, 6 Mason Flesch, 5 Conor Keys, 4 Izzak Kelly, 3 Conor Young, 2 Andrew Quattrin, 1 Liam Murray.
Replacements: 16 Foster Dewitt, 17 Djustice Sears-Duru, 18 Cole Keith, 19 Piers Von Dadelszen, 20 Siôn Parry, 21 Travis Larsen, 22 Jason Higgins, 23 Mitch Richardson.
Referee: Jordan Way (Australia)
Assistant referees: James Doleman (New Zealand), Tevita Rokovereni (France)