I don’t know about you, but that Tonga versus England game had me on the edge of my seat. The game had it all – rock-solid defence, blistering attack and controversy.
The game was a sell-out. The King of Tonga flew to New Zealand to be one of the many in the sea of red. Once again the Tongan war cry sent shivers down the spines of all who watched it, while the crowd cheered with emotion not often witnessed in rugby league. The game was set to be a classic, and both teams delivered spectacularly.
England had not played in a world cup final since 1995. They had come agonisingly close in 2013 only for a last-gasp try from New Zealand to seal their fate. The English were determined not to have history repeat itself in 2017.
The game started at a frantic pace with both England and Tonga going set for set. It took until just short of the 10th minute for England to finally get on the scoreboard. A clear backline movement from a scrum piece saw the ball go through the hands of Luke Gale, Kevin Brown, and Gareth Widdop before Jermaine McGillvary crossed untouched in the corner. This precision to play is not something the English have done on a regular basis.
The next try went to the video referee. Widdop had scored to extend the English lead but Andrew Fifita claimed to have held him up. Enough evidence suggested that it was a try. England led 12 to nil after 16 minutes.
This lead allowed England to exert its control. However, the Tongan side did not give up the hunt. They ran hard and tackled harder. The Tongans were warriors raging into battle. The game reached halftime with England holding onto the 12-nil lead.
(NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous)
The passion of the Tongan fans has undoubtedly convinced the powers that be in the NRL that more internationals need to occur for the categorised minnow nations. However, there was nothing minnow about this Tongan team. The team consisted of giants with the pace of Olympic sprinters – yet the wall of white refused to budge.
Some may claim Wayne Bennett to be an ogre while others consider him to be a wizard with the magic touch. Whatever your viewpoint, his teams are based on solid defence, and this England team has heart and resolve.
The English withstood the pressure that the Tongans applied and forced them into errors. The Burgess brothers, especially Tom, were hitting harder than heavyweight boxers. Gale and Brown seem to have a fluid combination, with Widdop filling in nicely when required. To be honest, I feel that this is the most potent England team in years.
But questions remained: could England sustain their level of play for an entire 80 minutes? A 49th-minute penalty goal had extended the English lead to 14, but it was the try in the 66th by John Bateman that had wrapped the gift for England. In everyone’s view they had just booked their ticket to Brisbane for the final. They were ahead 20 to nil.
(NRL Photos/Shane Wenzlick)
But rugby league is a beautiful game. It does not matter who you are competing against; every play matters. The Tongans had not lost their spirit, and for them the fight continued. For the English, their eyes were turned to the clock.
The last six and half minutes was chaos in war. It was a gift for the fans, and it was a reflection of the Tongan never-say-die attitude.
Firstly, Tevita Pangai Junior barged over from close range in the 72nd minute. Secondly, lazy English defence saw Siliva Havili scoot from dummy half and beat some weak tackle attempts to close the gap. The Tongans were down 20-12 with less than four minutes to play. I knew things were risky from here. The English had lost control; the Tongans were on the march to glory.
I had seen this happen too many times. I could list countless Origin games where Queensland was out only to come home to win. I remember a couple of years ago when the Roosters struck twice in three minutes to beat Souths, and then later in the same season South Sydney reversed the trend to do the same to the Roosters.
The Tongan team attacked from the outset like a hunter targeting its prey. The wrecking ball, Jason Taumolo, burst through the line, busting through tired tacklers to send Tuimoala Lolohea past Gareth Widdop and on the way to the try line. With two minutes to go the Tongan team were only down by two.
(NRL Photos/Grant Trouville)
For the Tongan fans it was pure happiness; for the English the ghosts of four years ago were resurfacing. The English were on the ropes, and all the Tongans had to do was deliver the knockout blow. They pushed harder, but the English were hanging on as though their life depended on it. The Tongan team pushed it wide; however, they did not see McGillvary race up to rejoin the defensive line.
An intercept! Game over! No, wait – one-on-one strip and the Tongan team had the ball again for another set with a minute to play. They went on the attack one last time.
The ball went wide to Fifita, who streamrolled past Kevin Brown’s attempted tackle before a lunging Elliot Whitehead forced the ball loose. The referee called knock-on almost instantly, but, neither Fifita nor the fans heard the whistle as he regathered the ball and planted it over the line for what he thought was the winning try. The game was over. England had held on for a famous win.
Fans at home and the ground were left stunned by the call. Although, since he made the call right away, he was never going to be able to reverse his decision and go to the video referee. In my opinion the right call was made. However, I accept that others may disagree.
In the end all can agree that it was a beautiful exhibition of the game of rugby league, the quality of the players and the passion of the fans. It showcased to all why rugby league is the greatest game of all.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
A big plus for Lebanon is that by making the quarter finals they automatically qualify for RLWC 2021 thereby ensuring a stable campaign for that tournament. Also, by making the quarter finals, Lebanon receive, I think it is around $35,000 (?) from the RLIF which can go a long way in helping out the domestic league.
souvalis
Guest
And for that,guys like Taumalolo and Fifita in particular should be applauded for having the kanucks to cross the line,shrugging off the huge amount of flack and criticism and giving League lovers these magic moments and pride to their countrymen...Tongan legends..
Birdy
Guest
All Tongans should be proud. The NSWRL surely must fast track a PI team into the state cup. But hang on the nsw cup is only for Sydney teams. I keep forgetting.
Birdy
Guest
Agree Fred. More internationals are a must.
Lovey
Guest
Which rulebook are you reading? Please give us a link.
Wolly
Roar Guru
You could likely find a still of Adriana Lima looking average if you wanted to. Stills don’t always paint the full picture Terry.
Oto shark
Guest
Tongan team and their fans made this world cup great.
Terry Tavita
Guest
*shrugs*..here's number 14 here..nice warm afternoon here in sunny hawkes bay..and it's still a strip..
Dean
Guest
So, for once we all agree then. It was a strip. Unfortunately, it doesn't matter one iota who won. Australia will be giving an exhibition next Sunday in Brisbane. Australian men and women. Unlike some, I enjoy watching the Australian's mens team. It's very hard to go past watching excellence at play. Not just watching Valentine Holmes scoring six trys, but watching how those trys are created. I believe the Kangaroos should be afforded the same respect as the All Blacks. It's not just both teams having a fantastic record year in, year out, but also the way they go about building these CV's of excellence. Mal Meninga has taken the Kangaroos to another level both on and off the field. He deserves all the wraps that come his way. I was cheering foe England yesterday as I really was hoping for a return to the old days with Australia playing England in the final game of the tournament. Well done to this Tongan team for taking this RLWC by the scruff of the neck and giving it a mighty big shake up. Tonga must do everything in it's power to keep this team together which should be easier now since the Samoan coach continually shamed the IRL by shouting out about how unfair the difference in wages is. I don't think the fans knew this, but they certainly do now. Shame on the organisers also for arranging a tournament where a team wins two games and is bundled out of the competition while a team who recorded one draw from three games goes through to the quarter finals. That would be a laughing stock of any sport in the world. The Tongan fans and team produced the best theatre in the tournament with their hymns and the players call to arms. The Tongans, samoans and the Fijians are the Rock Stars of international Rugby League. The bosses of international Rugby League need to put these teams into more test matches while they still have their aura. Who knows, perhaps Rugby League will have another Renaissance because of what these three teams as well as the PNG Kumuls have displayed in this tournament. Tonga definitely scored after England stripped the ball. Its there for everyone to see.
Big Daddy
Guest
Terry,Terry,Terry Of the 40 posts re this author you've had 13. It's obvious the guy has lost it due to a hand on his arm. All the petitions in the world wouldn't this reviewed. Get over it.
Terry Tavita
Guest
do a thorough review and i'll be happy with any answer..that's all the petition is asking for..if the brits want to do a petition, go right ahead..
Nat
Roar Guru
Ok but what answer will you be happy with? Say 100k people sign a petition asking for a review, then 1million Brits sign a petition to say the call was good, who is right? Cedric had Pen and Paper out last week for all the calls he believes went the wrong way so according to him Tonga shouldn't even be there. I agree Tonga have been a breath of fresh air to this tournament and their crowds have been the highlight. They had 25000 reasons to get lost in emotion yesterday but, at the final siren they sang. Thank you for what the Tongan team gave not what the fans have lost. The kids are a separate issue not supporting point. Teaching them not to accept decisions on face value in sport is the wrong message. It takes away from the fact it is just a game played for the value of entertainment only.
Chris
Guest
Agree Lebanon were very good, but they only just got over the top of France in the first round who also deserve more regular tests. I hope the success of the Lebanese team is used to support the domestic comp there.
Jacko
Guest
They made the wrong choice putting Tonga first......And you said no one could say it. Choosing Tonga wasnt the issue....it is when the choice was made
Jacko
Guest
Yes its OK for Tonga to beat NZ with crap reffing eh but not for England to beat Tonga with crap reffereeing
Terry Tavita
Guest
the last call was a big call that decided the outcome of the match..please don't use the kids to back up your arguments..i have kids too..will the petition change the outcome of last night's game?..no..is the petition pointless then?,,no..it's important that you ask the hard questions and keep people honest..i'm not tongan but tonga and it's fans have contributed a lot to the success of this tournament..I reckon they deserve a proper explanation of that contentious decision last night..
Nat
Roar Guru
Terry, if it shows he made the wrong call, he will be punished by not getting the WC Final gig but it was far from conclusive to say it was blatantly wrong. Plus, what example are you setting for the kids? Question every call you disagree with? What's next, belt the ref because you disagree? Rule 1, play the whistle. Much larger consideration - Perspective: The is entertainment only. A cracking GAME at best.
Fred
Guest
Yep Tonga's definitely in a top 4 now. I really hope Tonga gets to play one of the 'big 3' again before the next world cup. It also shows how good an effort Lebanon put in the week before! If Lebanon can get regular tests against good opposition (and they're playing in the Pacific Tests next year which is great) they will be a country to watch in the years ahead.
Terry Tavita
Guest
still imagery shows whitehead's hand on the ball tucked under fifita's arm..the "loose carry" is contentious..was there intent? i don't know..but it doesn't hurt to go through the footage and find out..the petition asks for a review of the ref's decision if he made the right one..
Renegade
Roar Guru
Sure, you might want to check that they know the rules before joining a pointless petition.... Loose carry A referee may decide that an attacking player did not sufficiently protect their possession of the ball as they came into contact with defenders; this is termed a loose carry. This interpretation allows a referee to decide if they think the attacking player committed a knock-on or whether the defenders stripped the ball with intent.[32][33]