Georgia survive Tonga's late surge

PACIFIC NATIONS CUP MATCH REPORT: Georgia hung on for a narrow 16-15 win over Tonga in Suva on Saturday.

Fullback Soso Matiashvili scored all of Georgia’s points as they staved off a strong finish by Tonga to win their match 16-15.

Matiashvili converted his own try from a 90-metre kick-and-chase and landed three penalties as Georgia built a 16-3 lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Tonga, who had been pinned inside their own half for most of the match by Georgia’s accurate kicking, began to show signs of dominance when Racing 92 prop Ben Tameifuna came off the bench late in the game.

He brought stability to the pack as Tonga won two scrum penalties which led to tries by Viliami Lolohea and David Halaifonua.

But with time on the clock, a desperate attempt by Tonga to produce the match-winning points ended with a handling error.

Fiji play Georgia next week, while Tonga face Samoa.

The scorers:

For Tonga:

Tries: Viliami Lolohea, David Halaifonua.
Con: Kurt Morath.
Pen: Sonatane Takulua

For Georgia:
Try: Soso Matiashvili.
Con: Matiashvili.
Pens: Matiashvili 3

Referee: Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Graham Cooper (Australia), Cam Stone (New Zealand)
TMO: Ian Smith (Australia),

Agence France-Presse