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Newcomers named as best players for Mate Ma’a Tonga as Kiwis triumph with 20 pt lead

By
Philip Cass
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After a day of cold and rain, Mate Ma’a Tonga went down 14-34 against New Zealand Kiwi this evening.

The Kiwis were leading 16-4 at half time.

Brandon Smith scored the first try of the evening for the Kiwi in the 11th minute.

Shaun Johnson scored three tries for New Zealand Kiwis, with Brandon Smith, Jahrome Hughes and Joseph Manu also going over the line and Esan Marsters making five successful conversions.

Solomone Kata, SioSiuaTaukeiaho and Daniel Tupou scored tries for Tonga with Taukeiahoscoring a conversion.

Commentatorsdescribed  SitiliTupouniua and ManaseFainu as the outstanding players on the Tongan ide.

During his live coverage of the game, New Zealand Herald reporter Christopher Reive said: “They should just give the ball to SitiliTupouniua every play. He’s the only one having any success tonight.”

This evenings’ game was important for Mate Ma’aTongas’ long term goals.

Mate Ma’aTonga prop TevitaPangai Jr told the Herald: “We know as a goal, going into the World Cup we want to be a top three nation,”

“Our eyes are on the Kiwis, and we’re looking longer term.”

Playing more matches against top tier teams is the first step for Tonga to make progress in the standings. The Rugby League International Federation’s ranking system gives more points for a win over a strong nation than for a victory over a country with a lower rank.

Tongan team

As we reported yesterday, the Tongan side was missing Andrew Fifita, who has been suspended for three matches.

Fifita told the media before the game he was“absolutely gutted” not to be playing, but said “I can’t wait to see the red sea this weekend.”

AddinFonua-Blake was listed to takeFifita’s place in the front ow.

The Mate Ma’a squad announced for this evening’ game were Will Hopoate,  DanielTupou, Kotoni Staggs, Solomone Kata, David Fusitu’a, John Asiata, TuimoalaLolohea, Siliva Havili, SioSiuaTaukeiaho, TevitaPangai Junior, Manu Ma’u, Jason Taumalolo,ManaseFainu, AddinFonua-Blake, PeniTerepo, SitiliTupouniuaandfSioneKatoa and TevitaTatola a reserves.

Asiata,  Staggs, Fainu and Tupouniua were making their debut for Tonga.

Red and white

The run-up to the game had drawn some concern, with tickets till available only hour before the match.

This was in contrast to previous games where the enthusiasm of Tongan fans had been widespread.

However, this evening’s number were estimated at 23,624 and Radio New Zealand reported that cars adorned with Tongan flags had reappeared on the Auckland’s streets.

The national broadcaster said houses on Rockfield Road, a few blocks from the stadium, were coated in red and white. 

RNZs’ Jamie Wall concluded his report on the game by describing it as “a fun evening here at Mt Smart.”

“There’s still a ton of Tongan fans hanging around waiting for their heroes. It really shows how important test rugby league is.”

The main points

  • After a day of cold and rain, Mate Ma’a Tonga went down 14-24 against New Zealand Kiwis this evening.
  • Solomone Kata, SioSiuaTaukeiaho and Daniel Tupou scored tries for Tonga with Taukeiahoscoring a conversion.

For more information

Run up to clash with Kiwis low key, but government boosts reward to Mate Ma’a Tonga

Tonga’s Andrew Fifita to miss Kiwis test

Tonga’s Andrew Fifita to miss Kiwis test

Mo’unga shines as Crusaders storm home

By
Kaniva Staff
-

First-five Richie Mo’unga grabbed two tries in a flawless 23-point game as the Crusaders stormed into the Super Rugby semi-finals with a 38-14 hiding of the Highlanders in Christchurch.

With a breathtaking blend of defensive grunt and attacking inspiration, the double defending champions kept their perfect home record in playoffs intact and extended their unbeaten winning streak at Rugby League Park to 29 matches.

They will return to the venue to meet the winner of the Hurricanes and the Bulls, who play their quarter-final on Saturday.

“We knew it was going to be tough, quarter-finals are always tough,” Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock said.

“We knew these guys were going to try to pin us down in our own half … We want to pressure every team right across the board.

“To get the win is what you need and we got it.”

All Black Mo’unga had an outstanding night, grabbing a try in each half and slotting all five conversions and an early penalty.

It was a tougher night for his All Blacks team mate Liam Squire, who was yellow carded early in the second half for a shoulder charge after the Highlanders restricted the home side to a 17-14 lead at the break.

It proved the turning point as the Crusaders ran in two tries to blow the game open while Squire was in the sin-bin.

“Obviously we prepared to come up here and give it our best shot and we were in it for most of the game,” said Highlanders co-captain Luke Whitelock.

“They’re very good at what they do and they execute it really well.”

The Crusaders came into the match after a week off and it showed in a scrappy opening quarter as they struggled with a few handling errors and a shaky set-piece.

They allowed the visitors the first try in the 17th minute as centre Rob Thompson made a brilliant step and offload to Ben Smith to crack open the Crusaders defence, with the departing co-captain putting winger Sio Tomkinson across near the left corner.

The home side snatched back the lead, however, with an unmarked David Havili jogging through a huge defensive hole to cross under the posts.

The Highlanders could do little about the Crusaders’ second try, as Scott Robertson’s men launched a breathtaking raid from midfield to the right corner.

A majestic offload by George Bridge to Whetu Douglas was flicked wide to Mo’unga who crossed and converted his own try to put the Crusaders up 17-7 in the 28th minute.

The Highlanders rallied again, rumbling forward to earn a scrum near the try-line.

Halfback Aaron Smith hurled a long, flat pass wide to inside centre Teihorangi Walden who burst through and planted the ball just over the line as the Highlanders kept in touch in a relentless first half.

Five minutes after the restart, however, Squire was sin-binned and the Highlanders unravelled.

A defensive blunder giftwrapped the Crusaders their third try in the 48th minute as the Highlanders stood off a rolling maul and allowed Douglas to barge over.

With Squire still stewing in the sin-bin, replacement prop Michael Alaalatoa grabbed the Crusaders’ fourth five-pointer, with Mo’unga kicking the Crusaders to a 31-14 lead into the final quarter.

Mo’unga capped a fine individual performance by grabbing his second try with brute strength in the 69th minute, rushing forward to chase a kick over the line and ripping the ball off Marty Banks in mid-air before planting it down.

-Reuters

Ombudsman calls press conference for Monday; will he make statement on petitions?

By
Philip Cass
-

Speculation is growing that Tonga’s Ombudsman will make an announcement about the three petitions attacking the government on Monday.

The Ombudsman has called a press conference for 10am on June 24.

As Kaniva news reported last month, King Tupou VI has referred three petitions attacking the government to the Ombudsman.

The petitions, demanding the government be dissolved, have been organised by long-standing opponents of the government.

Professor Steven Ratuva, Director of the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand told Radio Australia the case was a litmus test for Tongan democracy.

“The King still has considerable power despite the reforms in the Constitution in 2010,” he said.

“Recently the Government has been trying to push what it refers to as ‘urgent’ bills’ to be passed by parliament.

“At least two of those bills refer directly to reforming the power of the King in terms of appointment of some of the senior officers of Government including the Commissioner of Police.”

Professor Ratuva said the petitioners were using this to convince the King that his power was under threat.

In August November  2017 the Speaker persuaded the king to dissolve Parliament and put the government of ‘Akilisi Pohiva out of office.

However, only a few months later, Hon.Pohiva’s government was voted back into power.

In June last year, a petition to impeach the Prime Minister and seven of his cabinet ministers was submitted to parliament.

Three petitions with more than 10,000 signatures were presented to the palace in Nuku’alofa.

Former government minister Clive Edwards presented a petition signed by former politicians.

He said he believed that once a Royal Commission for Investigation was appointed, a caretaker government would need to be put in place.

Noble MP Lord Nuku presented a petition from the country’s nobles.

The third petition was presented by former MP Teisina Fuko from members of the general public.

The Lord Privy Seal said the Ombudsman would investigate complaints in the petition, take such action as he considered appropriate and decide whether any maladministration had occurred.

The Ombudsman would report to the king.

If any case was established the petitions would be referred to the Attorney General, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Commissioner of Police.

The main points

  • Speculation is growing that Tonga’s Ombudsman will make an announcement about the three petitions attacking the government on Monday.
  • The Ombudsman has called a press conference for 10am on June 24.
  • As Kaniva news reported last month, King Tupou has referred three petitions attacking the government to the Ombudsman.

For more information

King orders petitions from government’s enemies to be referred to Ombudsman

King orders petitions from government’s enemies to be referred to Ombudsman

Anti-government petitions test young Tongan democracy

https://www.abc.net.au/radio-australia/programs/pacificbeat/anti-government-petitions-test-young-tongan-democracy/10943410

Man arrested after shooting in Hihifo

By
Kalino Latu
-

Police have arrested and charged a 22-year-old after a man was shot in Nukunuku.

The incident occurred after midnight last night at Hihifo rd.

A 22-year-old man from Fua’amotu was at Vaiola hospital with an injury sustained from a gunshot wound to his stomach during an altercation with the suspect, Police said.

Police also seized a .22 rifle from the suspect.

The suspect is in police custody while police investigation continues.

Run up to clash with Kiwis low key, but government boosts reward to Mate Ma’a Tonga

By
Kaniva Staff
-

The level of support for the Mate Ma’a Tonga, both in Tonga and in Auckland, is not as intense as it was last year and the years before.

Tickets for this weekend’s clash with New Zealand Kiwis have not sold as fast as expected.

The parade and activities which have been organised so far to support Saturday’s match look like being low key affair.

It has been reported that fewer Tongan homes have been decorated ahead of the game.

While there appears to be no specific reason for this, some analysts believed the disarray within the Tonga National Rugby league could be responsible.

The Mate Ma’a Tonga is now being looked after by an interim board set up by the Supreme Court following a bitter and protracted dispute that has threatened to tear the NRL apart.

However, it has also been suggested that it would have been better to stage the game last year when New Zealand’s 2017 loss to Tonga was fresh in people’s minds.

There have also been argument that the Kiwi lost a great deal of local support because of their performance.

In the meantime, tickets for the game are still available and organisers are confident more than 20,000 will be old.

One block of seats will definitely be filled thank to Hynds Pipe system in East Tamaki which, for the third year in a row, is shouting it workers tickets to support the Mate Ma’a.,

Support

While Saturday’s game may not have aroused the passion that surrounded the game against Australia, the Mate Ma’a have won increased support from the Tongan government. 

Sports Minister Saia Piukala told Parliament this week the government would pay AUS$2,500 for each player who took to the field on Saturday.

He said the government normally paid $1000 for a player, but because of the high standard of performance  the team had achieved, the government has increased the amount.

Gutted

When Mate Ma’a Tonga take to the field they will do so without powerhouse Andrew Fifita, who has been given a three-match ban by the NRL’s judiciary committee for a dangerous tackle.

Fifita described himself a “absolutely gutted” that he could not play, but said “I can’t wait to see the red sea this weekend.”

While Fifita won’t be playing, the game offers Brisbane Broncos’ centre, Kotoni Staggs, a chance to play for Mate Ma’a Tonga for the first time.

Saturday’s match against the New Zealand Kiwis will kick off at 5.40pm.

The stadium gates open at 2pm.

The New Zealand women’s national rugby league team, Kiwi Ferns, will play Fetu Samoa, Samoa women’s national rugby league team at 3.10pm.

The main points

  • The level of support for the Mate Ma’a Tonga, both in Tonga and in Auckland, is not as intense as it was last year and the years before.
  • Tickets for this weekend’s clash with New Zealand Kiwis have not sold as fast as expected.
  • Saturday’s match against the New Zealand Kiwis will kick off at 5.40pm.

Woman dead, two others hurt in Māngere Bridge, homicide investigation launched

By
Kalino Latu
-

A woman has died in Mangere Bridge after it appears she has been hit by a vehicle.

Two other people were injured in the incident – a woman has sustained serious injuries and a man has sustained moderate injuries.

There is currently a scene examination underway on Mahunga Drive and part of the road is currently closed while this is ongoing.

Counties Manukau CIB Detective Inspector Colin Higson said a number of enquiries are underway.

A post-mortem examination will also be carried out tomorrow.

“We would like to reassure the public that we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the community,” Police said.

Police will release a further update once more information is available, however this is unlikely to be this evening.

Vava’u new police station construction underway

By
Kalino Latu
-

A new construction and refurbishment of the existing Neiafu Vava’u Police Station started on Monday.

The project was funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments.

A blessing was held in Neiafu on Wednesday 12 to mark the beginning of the building of the district police headquarters.

Commissioner Caldwell said: “The new station will provide a stronger policing capability for the people of Vava’u, strengthen border security and provide a safe haven for the victims of crime, and give our officers a decent building to work in.”

“The first role of the Police is to protect our citizens. Policing is about serving the community and working hand in hand to keep our citizens and our young people safe. This new Station is important but it is the work that happens inside and outside of the building that is most important.”

Commissioner Caldwell acknowledged the support of the New Zealand and Australia Governments, through the Tonga Police Development Program which has seen the constructions of seven new Police Stations throughout Tonga since 2010, the Vaini Police Station, ‘Ohonua Police Station (‘Eua), Pangai Police Station (Ha’apai), Mu’a Police Station, Nukunuku Police Station, Nomuka Police Station, Nuku’alofa Central Police Station and now the construction of the new Vava’u Police Station.

The work is carried out by the Puloka Construction Group Ltd and due for completion before Christmas 2019.

TBA, NZ boxing saga “disappointing”; gov’t can only fund Pacific Games “most appropriate athletes”, warns Sports Chairman

By
Kalino Latu
-

The feud between the Tonga Boxing Association and New Zealand based Tongan boxing amateurs had been disappointing, the Chairman of Tonga Sports Council, ‘Ikani Taliai, said today.

Speaking to Kaniva news, Taliai said he was concerned that it appeared the selection of the best athletes for the South Pacifc Games had been compromised.

He warned that the government would not fund a team or athletes or organisational governance for the Samoa Pacific Games next month if they did not reach the qualification standards.

“The boxing team is no exception,” he said.

He also warned that the athletes must be the priority of all sport federations which came under the control of the Tonga Amateur Sports Association and National Olympic Committee (TASANOC).

Taliai made his comments after Kaniva news reported this week that TBA Secretary Mataele Funaki had demanded an apology from New Zealand-based Tongan trainer Fili Maka before he would endorse four boxing champions from Maka’s camp to represent Tonga at the Pacific Games.

Maka refused to apologise, saying the TBA had triggered the feud after it did not keep to their agreement before they arrived in Tonga for the National Boxing Tournament in March.

As Kaniva news reported yesterday, Maka was accused of visiting to the Prime Minister.

In an e-mail to TBA seen by Kaniva news, Maka said he and others met in Tonga in an attempt to set up a new Tonga Boxing Association.

He also said they visited the Prime Minister and reported to him what had happened between him and Fūnaki. 

It is understood Fūnaki and TBA believed some people, including Maka, were attempting to hijack the national boxing association.

“This whole episode has been disappointing because as you say the better boxers have not been given the chance to represent Tonga at the PG,” Taliai told Kaniva news.  

“I hear that Mataele is demanding an apology from Fili before he will include the New Zealand- based boxers in the list. This is ridiculous and childish. If this is true then obviously Mataele is not making the athletes the priority, but something else. Someone going to see the PM about concerns should be of no consequence. Making it a consequence is making the issue political.”  

Government funding for the Pacific Games teams came from the TSC.

“I have made it clear that if a team or athlete or organisational governance is not appropriate or reached qualification standards then the TSC will deny funding for the purpose of going to Samoa,” he said.

“This is still knowing that Tasanoc can select teams or athletes to go to Samoa regardless of whether we at TSC don’t think they should go.

“We have made this clear to Tasanoc and all sport Federations. The boxing team is no exception. They know that if they don’t select the most appropriate athletes which obviously includes the NZ based ones, we will not fund then.”

Taliai said this opened up a more regional problem for sports across the Pacific, especially the running of the Pacific Games.

“All governments across the Pacific do not have the authority to select their teams to the Pacific Game, even though those governments pay the bills,” he said.

“This is how it’s set up and why there is a problem. The agents of the PGC are the independent bodies in each country such as TASANOC in Tonga. If any government interferes with these independent bodies the PGC bans that country from the games. Tahiti is a recent example.” 

The main points

  • The feud between the Tonga Boxing Association and New Zealand based Tongan boxing amateurs had been disappointing, the Chairman of Tonga Sports Council, ‘Ikani Taliai, said today.
  • Speaking to Kaniva news, Taliai said he was concerned that it appeared the selection of the best athletes for the South Pacific Games had been compromised.

For more information

Trainer says his story twisted; TBA denies politics involved in  decision to drop Pacific Games boxing winner

Trainer says his story twisted; TBA denies politics involved in decision to drop boxing winners for Pacific Games

Trump says U.S. agency will begin removing millions of illegal immigrants

By
Kaniva Staff
-

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Donald Trump said on Monday that U.S. authorities would begin next week removing millions of immigrants who are in the United States illegally.

“Next week ICE will begin the process of removing the millions of illegal aliens who have illicitly found their way into the United States,” Trump tweeted, referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. “They will be removed as fast as they come in,” he said. He did not offer specifics.

There are an estimated 12 million immigrants who are in the United States illegally, mainly from Mexico and Central America.

Under a deal reached earlier this month, Mexico has agreed to take Central American immigrants seeking asylum in the United States until their cases are heard in U.S. courts.

The agreement, which included Mexico pledging to deploy National Guard troops to stop Central American immigrants from reaching the U.S. border, averted a Trump threat to hit Mexican imports with tariffs.

Trump also said in the tweet that Guatemala “is getting ready to sign a Safe-Third Agreement.”Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees arrive at FCI Victorville federal prison in Victorville, California, U.S. June 8, 2018. REUTERS/Patrick T. Fallon

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence suggested last week that Guatemala could receive asylum seekers from its neighbors as a so-called safe third country.

Details of the plan have not been made public, and Guatemala has not publicly confirmed talks that the U.S. State Department said were taking place in Guatemala on Friday.

U.S. rights group Human Rights First said, however, it was “simply ludicrous” for the United States to assert that Guatemala was capable of protecting refugees, when its own citizens are fleeing violence.

Mexico has agreed that if its measures to stem the flow of migrants are unsuccessful, it will discuss signing a safe third country agreement with the United States.

Tonga’s Andrew Fifita to miss Kiwis test

By
Kaniva Staff
-

By Radio New Zealand

Andrew Fifita will miss Mate Ma’a Tonga’s rematch against New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday after being suspended for three games at the NRL judiciary.

The Cronulla front-rower was unsuccessful in his bid to have his grade two dangerous contact charge downgraded, ruling him out of Saturday’s Oceania Cup Test as well as the Sharks’ next two matches against the Bulldogs and Broncos.

The NRL judiciary panel deemed there was sufficient evidence of foul play against Fifita in his tackle attempt on Canberra’s Ryan Sutton in the eighth minute of Thursday night’s defeat by the Raiders.

Giving evidence via video link from Auckland, the 29 year old Fifita pleaded guilty but disputed the grade two charge, arguing he was only trying to prevent Sutton from attempting a quick play the ball after noticing he was “already on his hands and knees” after being tackled around the legs by Cronulla hooker Blayke Brailey.

Fifita’s legal team gave evidence of five cases similar to either grade one or two crusher tackles over the past four seasons that suggested Fifita’s case deserved a downgrade.

But judiciary chair Geoff Bellow advised the panel to disregard much of Fifita’s defence, saying trying to prevent a quick play the ball didn’t relieve him of any culpability.

Manly Sea Eagles prop Addin Fonua-Blake is set to replace Fifita in the Tongan front row, with South Sydney prop Junior Tatola likely to be promoted to the interchange bench.

Meanwhile four players will make their Mate Ma’a Tonga debut after being named in the match-day squad.

North Queensland Cowboys utility John Asiata will start at standoff, after switching his allegiance from Toa Samoa, with Tui Lolohea shifting to halfback.

Brisbane Broncos centre Kotoni Staggs is the other new face in the backline, while Manly hooker Manase Fainu and Sydney Roosters second rower Sitili Tupouniua will come off the interchange bench.

Tonga matchday squad:

1. Will Hopoate, 2. Daniel Tupou, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Solomone Kata, 5. David Fusitu’a, 6. John Asiata, 7. Tuimoala Lolohea, 8. Andrew Fifita*, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho, 11. Tevita Pangai Junior, 12. Manu Ma’u, 13. Jason Taumalolo. Interchange: 14. Manase Fainu, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. Peni Terepo, 17. Sitili Tupouniua. Reserves: 18. Sione Katoa, 19. Tevita Tatola.

*Andrew Fifita suspended for three games.

New Zealand matchday squad:

1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 2. Ken Maumalo, 3. Esan Marsters, 4. Joseph Manu, 5. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 6. Shaun Johnson, 7. Benji Marshall, 8. Jesse Bromwich, 9. Brandon Smith, 10. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, 11. Kenneath Bromwich, 12. Briton Nikora, 13. Isaac Liu. Interchange: 14. Jahrome Hughes, 15. Leeson Ah Mau, 16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona, 17. James Fisher-Harris. Reserves: 18. Zane Tetevano, 19. Kieran Foran.

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