10 Nov 2014

Sport: Tonga shining light of Pacific rugby

12:45 pm on 10 November 2014

Tonga were the only successful Pacific side from the weekend after opening their northern tour with a come-from-behind 23-9 win over Georgia in Tbilisi.

The Tongans were down 9-6 after an hour of play before they stepped up their game, scoring three unanswered tries in 12 minutes to kick off their tour in a positive vein.

Replacement halfback Taniela Moa came off the bench to score two tries while full-back Vungakoto Lilo provided further momentum with his boot.

The Ikale Tahi play the USA this week.

Fiji were thumped by France as the home team's debutante wing Teddy Thomas scored three tries in a 40-15 result at Marseille. The Flying Fijians play Wales this week.

Italy came back from a 7 point deficit to defeat Samoa 24-13 in their test with New Zealand-born first five Kelly Haimona kicking 14 points to inspire the Azzurri to the hard-fought win.

Loosie Jack Lam scored Samoa's only try of the match.

Ikale Tahi halfback Taniela Moa

Ikale Tahi halfback Taniela Moa Photo: PHOTOSPORT