By Vaelei Von Dincklage, Samoa Observer
Manu Samoa demolished Tonga 43-17 on home soil in their second Pacific Nations Cup at Apia Park on Friday evening, keeping alive hopes of a semi-final spot.
Melani Matavao fights for the ball. Samoa beat Tonga 43-17. (Photo: Junior S Ami)
Like last week, it was two different tales in each of the halves. The team showed discipline and good skill sets in the first half to lead 17-0. The second half had the team scoring more, however, the skill display left the head coach slightly disappointed.
Mase Mahonri Schwalger said even though they won he is quite disappointed that the game plan was not followed.
“We take the win. Pretty disappointed with some of our skill-set that I saw out there. They didn’t really secure the game plan that we worked so hard on in the last couple of days. But a win is a win. We’re happy,” he said.
He was also happy to have former players watching from the stands. He believes it was great to have the boys who paved the way for them to be there.
Samoa mounted a good lead in the first half through tries to Tuna Tuitama and Stacey Ili. Tuitama got his brace in the second spell with Izaiha Moore-Aiono and Samuel Slade getting their names on the score sheet as well.
Former Manu Samoa captain Paul Williams was in the stands. The game brought memories of his debut.
“I was fortunate to play for the Manu in 2010. It was my debut against Tonga here in Apia, and my last game was in 2016. So I got one World Cup in 2011 in New Zealand. It was a real privilege to represent our country,” he said.
“This certainly brought back memories, pulling out all the hard strings, emotions, and running. It was great to see the boys pull up a good win. Good scoreline, they were dominating that first half, some great running rugby and some great tries.”
“I was impressed, a fair few mistakes but at the same time, I know it’s not easy. For the Manu to pull out a lead like that was impressive.”
Tongan coach Tevita Tu’ifua said his boys did not play well.
“First of all, congratulations to Samoa on their 100-year celebration of rugby and also to Mase and the Manu Samoa team. In the game today, our boys did not play well, we lost a lot of possession, and we can’t play without the ball. There was a lot of learning taking it towards our next game with Fiji at home,” he said.
Samoa will get a rest next week as Fiji take on Tonga in Nukualofa. A win for Fiji means Samoa is through to the semi-finals.
