Page 29 - IB Jan 2018

Sports Tuna issues PNA maps way forward P30
FSC audit Cloud over sugar company P32

www.islandsbusiness.com Islands Business
An unforgettable
World

By Ilaitia Turagabeci
TO say that Tonga has soared up the Rugby Cup
League International Federation (RFIL)
rankings list after a stunning World Cup
run is an understatement to the manner story
in which it achieved the feat.
The South Sea islanders brought the
tournament to life even before it began and the Kiwis in a stunning 28-22 victory and sporting world overshadowed their pain.
overshadowed Australia’s gallant defence securing a place in the quarter-final While Tongan coach Kristian Wolf said
of the crown against England with a hard- Tonga made history by becoming the Chechin should have given them the ben-
fought 6-0 victory. first team outside of the big three of Aus- efit of the doubt, and gone to the replay,
he gave England some credit. “They de-
tralia, England and New Zealand to beat a
The Mate Ma’a’s dream run ended at
the top four but they will forever be re- tier-one nation in their final pool game at a fended extremely well for long periods but
membered as the story of the 2017 Rugby sold out FMG Stadium in Waikato. Tauma- I thought we did enough to win that game
League World Cup. lolo, who copped criticism from New Zea- but our execution was a little off when it
counted. Not a lot went our way but I could
land fans for his defection, starred in the
Defections match and later apologised to Kidwell for not be any prouder of a group of men - the
In the lead-up to the World Cup Jason failing to inform him of his late decision. way they hung in and kept trying,” Wolf
Taumalolo featured prominently in New When the fanfare from that weekend said. “I think we have started something
Zealand colours but switched to play for celebrations was over, Tonga took on that really takes Tonga forward both as a
Tonga at the last minute. His decision Lebanon in the quarter-finals and was team and as a nation.”
shocked everyone, most of all NZ coach fortunate to come away 24-22 winners While much of the focus was around
David Kidwell. He was joined by former in Christchurch. They were lucky every Tonga, the flamboyant Fijians reminded
Kiwis David Fusitu’a, Sio Siua Taukei’aho bounce of the ball and video referee deci- fans why they made the past two World
and Manu Ma’u. They were joined by sion went their way. Cup semi-finals with wins over USA
Kangaroos prop Andrew Fifita, who had al- Tongan Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva (36-12), Wales (72-6)and Italy (38-10),
ready been named in the Kangaroos squad. proclaimed their semi-final spot as the before repeating Tonga’s feat and sending
Superstars and the fans kindgom’s greatest sporting moment. the Kiwis packing from the tournament
Tonga began the campaign with a 50-4 Too little, too late with a narrow 4-2 win. But they were
drubbing of Scotland but the team wasn’t Tonga’s party came crashing down in no match for the Kangaroos, losing their
prepared for the red carpet reception they front of a record 30,003 turnout at Mt semi-final 54-6.
got when they touched down in Auckland Smart Stadium in Auckland as England RLIF chief executive David Collier hailed
on 31 October. held on to win 20-18 in a heart-stopping the performance of the minnows, saying
They had acclimatised for some time as display. England’s strong defence,which the sport would gain momentum across
a team in Tonga before the tournament but was the hallmark of their run in the tourna- the globe. “I congratulate Australia on
when they arrived from Australia, close to ment, kept the Tongans at bay. retaining their position and the other major
3000 fans in a sea of red greeted them, a Spurred on by the singing red army, movers, in particular Lebanon, Fiji, PNG
sign of the colourful and patriotic support Tonga staged a spectacular comeback with and Tonga, who all lit up the World Cup.
for Tonga in the next few weeks. Such eight minutes remaining before English What we have seen is that the success
was the fanatical support that when they referee Matt Cecchin brought the curtains of the World Cup has reinvigorated the
faced Samoa in Hamilton, it ignited their down with his whistle. international game, even more fixtures are
South Seas rivalry. Fans from both sides Controversy being arranged across the tiers and that
clashed in street violence in Auckland but will have a reflection in future rankings as
Chechin came under the spotlight for
cool heads prevailed in the end after play- his decision not to use the video replay to past results gradually degrade.”
ers joined police and community elders to determine whether Fifita was denied a last- While there were still a lot of ifs when
plead for calm and respect. When they met the dust had settled at the World Cup, one
in Hamilton that weekend, Tongan and gasp match-winning try during Tonga’s thing was sure, international rugby league
Samoan players embraced, shared a prayer final attack. Despite Tonga’s cry of foul, will never be the same again after the pas-
then performed the Sipi Tau and Siva Tau Chechin deemed it to be a loose carry and sion and heart that Tongans beautifully
played on. Outraged fans ptotested and
at one another. Tonga beat Samoa 32-18 organised an online petition - which more demonstrated for their team.
but the manner in which the sides united It was phenomenal.
on and off the field brought fans together than 27,000 people signed by the next RLIF RANKINGS: 1 Australia 2 New
and set the stage for the final pool match morning - and called for an official inquiry. Zealand 3 England 4 Tonga 5 Fiji 6 Samoa 7
Tongans marched around Auckland in
in Waikato. protest but their celebration of a memo- Scotland 8 France 9 Lebanon 10 PNG
Shock victory rable World Cup journey that inspired the r ilaitia.turagabeci@gmail.com
Tonga created shockwaves by beating

Islands Business January 2018 29
nicmaclellan@optusnet.com.