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Tonga Invitational XIII
16
Match Complete
Australia
12
| K. Staggs |  | 55 | ||
| T. P. Junior |  | 53 | ||
| M. Jennings | | 45 | ||
| 31 | | L. Mitchell | ||
| 30 | | P. Vaughan | ||
| 27 | | L. Mitchell | ||
| 26 | | J. Wighton | ||
| K. Staggs | | 22 | ||
| W. Hopoate | | 20 |
| 3 | Tries | 2 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 2 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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Australia has been stunned by the Tonga Invitational team tonight, going down 16-12 at Eden Park in New Zealand.
Final score
Australia 12
Tonga 16
International Rugby League is back on the menu tonight with a triple-header hosted at Eden Park in Auckland. The last of these matchups features the much anticipated clash between Australia and the Tonga Invitational team. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 5:40pm AEDT.
The Kangaroos’ 26-4 win last weekend looks comfortable on paper, but they were assisted by two length-of-the-field tries, off New Zealand errors, and a disappointing kicking game from the hosts which didn’t test Australia’s defence.
That’s perhaps understandable given Mal Meninga has control of a new-look team, and we can expect a more polished performance tonight.
That said, Damien Cook and James Tedesco were terrific against New Zealand and any tired Tongan middle defence will be punished.
There is only one change to the Kangaroos squad, with Cameron Murray to make his test debut, off the bench, in place of Ben Hunt.
After beating New Zealand two years ago, the Tonga Invitational team took another big scalp last Saturday night, beating Great Britain 14-6 in Hamilton.
The Tongan forward pack were dominant in the first half, controlling enough territory and possession to put points on the board. The second half was less flawless with plenty of errors from both teams, but the Tongan defence covered well against anything the Great Britain team threw at them.
In changes, Ato Hingano has recovered from injury and will take his place at halfback, while Andrew Fifita has been named to start at prop ahead of Addin Fonua-Blake.
Prediction
The clash between these forward packs will be immense tonight with the Kangaroos trying to limit the “go forward” of the Tongan pack.
If they can, the class of the Australian halves, plus Damien Cook, should create enough chances for the Kangaroos to win.
The first 20 minutes will be a great tussle, but I’m expecting a good Australian victory.
Kangaroos by 14 points
When: 5:40pm AEDT
Where: Eden Park, Auckland
TV: Fox League, GEM
Online: Live Pass, Kayo
Betting: Australia: $1.12; Tonga Invitational: $6.20
Australia
1. James Tedesco, 2. Josh Addo-Carr, 3. Latrell Mitchell, 4. Jack Wighton, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Cameron Munster, 7. Daly Cherry-Evans, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Damien Cook, 10. David Klemmer, 11. Boyd Cordner (c), 12. Tyson Frizell, 13. Jake Trbojevic.
Interchange: 14. Cameron Murray, 15. Payne Haas, 16. Paul Vaughan, 17. Wade Graham
Tonga
1. Will Hopoate, 2. David Fusita’a, 3. Michael Jennings, 4. Konrad Hurrell, 5. Daniel Tupou, 6. Tuimoala Lolohea, 7. Ata Hingano, 8. Andrew Fifita, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Siosiua Taukeiaho, 11. Ben Murdoch-Masila, 12. Manu Ma’u, 1 3. Jason Taumalolo.
Interchange: 14. Sione Katoa, 15. Addin Fonua-Blake, 16. John Asiata, 17. Sitili Tupouniua
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