Tonga vs Cook Islands
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Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
By the clock: Tonga v Cook Islands
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
9:18am Wed 06th November, 2013
Tonga's power game was enough to earn them a crucial win against the Cook Islands.
Zero minutes: It's a new stadium record crowd at the Leigh Sports Village ground for two of the tournament's more entertaining (if erratic) teams.
3rd minute: Tonga are forced to defend their own tryline with the Cook Islands on the attack, but an accidental offside from the Cooks ends a disappointing attacking set.
7th minute: Glen Fisiiahi starts an attacking raid down the right for Tonga, sending Sika Manu clear for a line break before collecting the return pass to cross for the game's opening points. Samisoni Langi converts, 6-0 Tonga.
10th minute: Cook Islands fullback Drury Low takes a bomb under pressure but is immediately clattered into the in-goal, with the Tongans forcing a dropout. But a mistake early in the set from Tonga lets the pressure off.
12th minute: Isaac John chips a perfectly weighted kick to the left wing, where Chris Taripo takes it on the fly to score for the Cook Islands. He converts his own try, 6-6.
17th minute: Tonga receives back-to-back penalties but the Cook Islands' goal-line defence holds firm despite bullocking runs from Fuifui Moimoi and Konrad Hurrell.
19th minute: Taripo is in again for the Cook Islands, pouncing on a grubber kick from Drury Low to score in the corner. The Cook Islands lead 10-6.
27th minute: The Cooks continue to attack down Taripo's left edge, running the ball on the last tackle only for the play to break down 10 metres from the tryline.
30th minute: Echoes of Martin Bella circa 1993 as Sam Mataora is rattled by a tackle and plays the ball the wrong way for Cook Islands. Penalty to Tonga 40 metres out.
31st minute: Wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo capitalises on Mataora's mistake, crashing through two would-be tacklers and carrying another couple over the tryline to level the scores. A nice conversion from Langi edges Tonga ahead 12-10.
37th minute: A penalty goal to Langi puts Tonga ahead 14-10 with halftime closing in.
39th minute: Konrad Hurrell steals the show with an unstoppable solo run, bouncing through three defenders to score from 40 metres out. Tonga leads 18-10 at halftime.
43rd minute: The Cook Islands strike back at the start of the second term as Taripo claims his hat-trick, taking a ball from Low and acrobatically diving over in the corner. He converts it from the sideline as well to make it 18-16.
54th minute: More pressure from the Cook Islands forces a Tongan error close to their own line. The Cooks spread the ball left and right during the set and keep the ball alive on the last tackle, but can't find a way through the Tongan defence this time.
62nd minute: Three straight penalties swing the momentum Tonga's way and they finally turn possession into points when Jorge Taufua is awarded a try by the video referee in the corner. Langi's conversion attempt drifts wide, 22-16.
69th minute: Jordan Rapana bombs a try for the Cook Islands in spectacular fashion, losing control of the ball after crossing over the tryline untouched on the right flank.
70th minute: The Tongans return the favour, with high-flying Roosters winger Daniel Tupou bringing down a bomb in typical fashion before throwing a horrible low pass to an unmarked Glen Fisiiahi in front of the posts.
75th minute: Tonga hooker Pat Politoni sends an opportunistic field-goal attempt wide of the posts.
78th minute: An Isaac John bomb is spilled by Tonga near their own line before Fuifui Moimoi grounds the ball in-goal, but the video referee spots a Cook Islands knock-on so possession goes Tonga's way.
Fulltime: It's all over, with Tonga keeping their slight hopes alive with a narrow 22-16 victory.
http://www.nrl.com/by-the-clock-tonga-v-cook-islands/tabid/10874/newsid/75279/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
US-Aust RLWC clash likely after Tonga win
By Ian Laybourn
AAP
9:50am Wed 06th November, 2013
Australia look almost certain to face Rugby League World Cup giantkillers USA in an unlikely quarter-final, with the Cook Islands becoming the second team to be eliminated from the tournament.
Tonga's thrilling 22-16 victory over the Cook Islands at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday night kept alive their hopes of topping group C, while the islanders' second consecutive defeat means the USA Tomahawks are guaranteed to finish top of group D.
That sets up the prospect of of a last-eight showdown for the Americans against tournament favourites Australia in Wrexham on November 16.
The result was cruel on Cook Islands winger Chris Taripo, who scored all his side's points and delighted the stadium-record crowd of 8544 with a hat-trick of tries that earned him the man-of-the-match award.
The Cook Islands conceded the first try to Penrith second-rower Sika Manu after six minutes but Taripo went over for two tries in seven minutes and also kicked a goal to put his side 10-6 up.
The Newtown Jets NSW Cup player twice demonstrated clinical finishing after kicks from Isaac John and Drury Low prized open the Tongan defence.
The underdogs were powerless to stop rampaging forward Jason Taumololo, who crashed over for a 31st-minute try to restore Tonga's lead, and blockbusting centre the Warriors' Konrad Hurrell, who bashed his way over for a third try just before halftime.
Sydney Roosters player Samsoni Langi kicked three goals as the Tongans led 18-10 at the break but the game was back in the balance within three minutes of the re-start when Taripo produced a brilliant flying finish in the corner to take Low's pass and complete his hat-trick.
The winger added the touchline conversion for good measure to cut the gap to just two points but Tonga opened up a six-point lead when Manly winger Jorge Taufua squeezed over in the corner at the 60-minute mark.
The Cook Islands never gave up hope, however, and Tonga were forced into some desperate defence in an enthralling final quarter.
Right winger Jordan Rapana dropped the ball over the line and substitute Hikule'o Malu had a try disallowed as the islanders fought to the end.
http://www.nrl.com/us-aust-rlwc-clash-likely-after-tonga-win/tabid/10874/newsid/75280/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Tonga v Cook Islands player ratings
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
10:00am Wed 06th November, 2013
TONGA
1. Glen Fisiiahi: Scored the game's opening try and ran the ball well but committed a couple of handling errors. 7
2. Daniel Tupou:Great under the high ball as usual and provided two offloads but did botch a try-scoring opportunity with a poor final pass to Fisiiahi, and missed four tackles. 6.5
3. Konrad Hurrell:Crashed through three defenders with an unstoppable 40-metre run to score a terrific solo try in the dying moments of the first half and made the most metres (135) and tackle breaks (six) for his team. 8.5
4. Mahe Fonua: Ran hard and was the busiest defender in the Tongan backline, but made three errors. 7
5. Jorge Taufua: The Manly winger grabbed a second-half try and played like an extra forward with 13 carries for 121 metres. 7.5
6. Samisoni Langi: Kicked three from five with the boot: an area that still needs some work: and was lively with ball in hand. 7
7. Daniel Foster: Defended well with 18 tackles but most of Tonga's attacks came through the wide men instead. 7
8. Brent Kite: The skipper led from the front with the most carries (15) and tackles (31) of any Tonga player. 8
9. Pat Politoni:Chose his dummy-half runs well and was very solid in defence. 7
10. Fuifui Moimoi:The big-haired veteran made the most metres of any Tongan forward and contributed 27 tackles as well. 8
11. Jason Taumalolo: Showed great power to crash over for a first-half try and made three tackle breaks from nine runs. 8
12. Sika Manu: Made the line break to set up the game's first try before being rattled by a Dylan Napa hit after 15 minutes. 7
13. Mickey Paea: Didn't miss a tackle in a solid display in the middle of the park. 7
14. Nafe Seluini:The bench hooker didn't make much of an impression in his limited game time. 5
15. Siosaia Vave: Made 10 charges for 81 metres off the bench. 7
16. Willie Manu: Made an impact in defence with four one-on-one tackles. 7
17. Ukuma Ta'ai: Got through some decent work in his time on the field. 7
COOK ISLANDS
1. Drury Low:Set up two tries to Chris Taripo – the first from a grubber kick and the second from a cut-out pass – to help give the Cook Islands the edge in the playmaking positions. 8
2. Chris Taripo:Scored a terrific hat-trick to claim Man of the Match honours, pouncing on two kicks in the first half and adding a great leaping finish for his third try at the start of the second half. 9
3. Brad Takairangi: Troubled the Tongan defence with 15 carries for 109 metres plus three offloads. 7.5
4. Keith Lulia: Was hard to stop, making four tackle breaks, 14 runs for 118 metres, three offloads and a line break. 8
5. Jordan Rapana: Bombed a try in the second half in his most notable play of the game, somehow losing possession after already crossing the tryline untouched. It was one of three handling errors for the winger. 5
6. Johnathan Ford: Played second fiddle to John in the halves but produced an error-free display. 6.5
7. Isaac John: Brilliantly set up the Cooks' first try with a chip kick for his winger and did plenty of defensive work with 20 tackles, but did concede a couple of penalties. 7.5
8. Dylan Napa: Did the hard yards up the middle with 14 carries and a team-high 25 tackles. 7.5
9. Daniel Fepuleai:Kept things simple from dummy half and defended well. 7
10. Zane Tetavano:Had little game time with just three hit-ups. 5.5
11. Dominique Peyroux: Did his job with nine runs and 22 tackles. 7
12. Zeb Taia: The best of the Cook Islands forwards, running 17 times for 140 metres and offloading three times. 8
13. Tinirau Arona: Only Taia made more metres in the Cooks' pack. 7.5
14. Hikul'eo Malu:Largely unseen, with just a single run. 5
15. Adam Tangata: Solid enough with half a dozen hit-ups and 12 tackles. 6
16. Joseph Matapuku: Did a decent job off the bench. 6
17. Sam Mataora:Comically played the ball the wrong way to concede a penalty that led to Tonga's second try, but did make 15 tackles. 6
http://www.nrl.com/tonga-v-cook-islands-player-ratings/tabid/10874/newsid/75281/default.aspx
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
9:18am Wed 06th November, 2013
Tonga's power game was enough to earn them a crucial win against the Cook Islands.
Zero minutes: It's a new stadium record crowd at the Leigh Sports Village ground for two of the tournament's more entertaining (if erratic) teams.
3rd minute: Tonga are forced to defend their own tryline with the Cook Islands on the attack, but an accidental offside from the Cooks ends a disappointing attacking set.
7th minute: Glen Fisiiahi starts an attacking raid down the right for Tonga, sending Sika Manu clear for a line break before collecting the return pass to cross for the game's opening points. Samisoni Langi converts, 6-0 Tonga.
10th minute: Cook Islands fullback Drury Low takes a bomb under pressure but is immediately clattered into the in-goal, with the Tongans forcing a dropout. But a mistake early in the set from Tonga lets the pressure off.
12th minute: Isaac John chips a perfectly weighted kick to the left wing, where Chris Taripo takes it on the fly to score for the Cook Islands. He converts his own try, 6-6.
17th minute: Tonga receives back-to-back penalties but the Cook Islands' goal-line defence holds firm despite bullocking runs from Fuifui Moimoi and Konrad Hurrell.
19th minute: Taripo is in again for the Cook Islands, pouncing on a grubber kick from Drury Low to score in the corner. The Cook Islands lead 10-6.
27th minute: The Cooks continue to attack down Taripo's left edge, running the ball on the last tackle only for the play to break down 10 metres from the tryline.
30th minute: Echoes of Martin Bella circa 1993 as Sam Mataora is rattled by a tackle and plays the ball the wrong way for Cook Islands. Penalty to Tonga 40 metres out.
31st minute: Wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo capitalises on Mataora's mistake, crashing through two would-be tacklers and carrying another couple over the tryline to level the scores. A nice conversion from Langi edges Tonga ahead 12-10.
37th minute: A penalty goal to Langi puts Tonga ahead 14-10 with halftime closing in.
39th minute: Konrad Hurrell steals the show with an unstoppable solo run, bouncing through three defenders to score from 40 metres out. Tonga leads 18-10 at halftime.
43rd minute: The Cook Islands strike back at the start of the second term as Taripo claims his hat-trick, taking a ball from Low and acrobatically diving over in the corner. He converts it from the sideline as well to make it 18-16.
54th minute: More pressure from the Cook Islands forces a Tongan error close to their own line. The Cooks spread the ball left and right during the set and keep the ball alive on the last tackle, but can't find a way through the Tongan defence this time.
62nd minute: Three straight penalties swing the momentum Tonga's way and they finally turn possession into points when Jorge Taufua is awarded a try by the video referee in the corner. Langi's conversion attempt drifts wide, 22-16.
69th minute: Jordan Rapana bombs a try for the Cook Islands in spectacular fashion, losing control of the ball after crossing over the tryline untouched on the right flank.
70th minute: The Tongans return the favour, with high-flying Roosters winger Daniel Tupou bringing down a bomb in typical fashion before throwing a horrible low pass to an unmarked Glen Fisiiahi in front of the posts.
75th minute: Tonga hooker Pat Politoni sends an opportunistic field-goal attempt wide of the posts.
78th minute: An Isaac John bomb is spilled by Tonga near their own line before Fuifui Moimoi grounds the ball in-goal, but the video referee spots a Cook Islands knock-on so possession goes Tonga's way.
Fulltime: It's all over, with Tonga keeping their slight hopes alive with a narrow 22-16 victory.
http://www.nrl.com/by-the-clock-tonga-v-cook-islands/tabid/10874/newsid/75279/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
US-Aust RLWC clash likely after Tonga win
By Ian Laybourn
AAP
9:50am Wed 06th November, 2013
Australia look almost certain to face Rugby League World Cup giantkillers USA in an unlikely quarter-final, with the Cook Islands becoming the second team to be eliminated from the tournament.
Tonga's thrilling 22-16 victory over the Cook Islands at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday night kept alive their hopes of topping group C, while the islanders' second consecutive defeat means the USA Tomahawks are guaranteed to finish top of group D.
That sets up the prospect of of a last-eight showdown for the Americans against tournament favourites Australia in Wrexham on November 16.
The result was cruel on Cook Islands winger Chris Taripo, who scored all his side's points and delighted the stadium-record crowd of 8544 with a hat-trick of tries that earned him the man-of-the-match award.
The Cook Islands conceded the first try to Penrith second-rower Sika Manu after six minutes but Taripo went over for two tries in seven minutes and also kicked a goal to put his side 10-6 up.
The Newtown Jets NSW Cup player twice demonstrated clinical finishing after kicks from Isaac John and Drury Low prized open the Tongan defence.
The underdogs were powerless to stop rampaging forward Jason Taumololo, who crashed over for a 31st-minute try to restore Tonga's lead, and blockbusting centre the Warriors' Konrad Hurrell, who bashed his way over for a third try just before halftime.
Sydney Roosters player Samsoni Langi kicked three goals as the Tongans led 18-10 at the break but the game was back in the balance within three minutes of the re-start when Taripo produced a brilliant flying finish in the corner to take Low's pass and complete his hat-trick.
The winger added the touchline conversion for good measure to cut the gap to just two points but Tonga opened up a six-point lead when Manly winger Jorge Taufua squeezed over in the corner at the 60-minute mark.
The Cook Islands never gave up hope, however, and Tonga were forced into some desperate defence in an enthralling final quarter.
Right winger Jordan Rapana dropped the ball over the line and substitute Hikule'o Malu had a try disallowed as the islanders fought to the end.
http://www.nrl.com/us-aust-rlwc-clash-likely-after-tonga-win/tabid/10874/newsid/75280/default.aspx
- - - Updated - - -
Tonga v Cook Islands player ratings
By Dominic Brock
NRL.com
10:00am Wed 06th November, 2013
TONGA
1. Glen Fisiiahi: Scored the game's opening try and ran the ball well but committed a couple of handling errors. 7
2. Daniel Tupou:Great under the high ball as usual and provided two offloads but did botch a try-scoring opportunity with a poor final pass to Fisiiahi, and missed four tackles. 6.5
3. Konrad Hurrell:Crashed through three defenders with an unstoppable 40-metre run to score a terrific solo try in the dying moments of the first half and made the most metres (135) and tackle breaks (six) for his team. 8.5
4. Mahe Fonua: Ran hard and was the busiest defender in the Tongan backline, but made three errors. 7
5. Jorge Taufua: The Manly winger grabbed a second-half try and played like an extra forward with 13 carries for 121 metres. 7.5
6. Samisoni Langi: Kicked three from five with the boot: an area that still needs some work: and was lively with ball in hand. 7
7. Daniel Foster: Defended well with 18 tackles but most of Tonga's attacks came through the wide men instead. 7
8. Brent Kite: The skipper led from the front with the most carries (15) and tackles (31) of any Tonga player. 8
9. Pat Politoni:Chose his dummy-half runs well and was very solid in defence. 7
10. Fuifui Moimoi:The big-haired veteran made the most metres of any Tongan forward and contributed 27 tackles as well. 8
11. Jason Taumalolo: Showed great power to crash over for a first-half try and made three tackle breaks from nine runs. 8
12. Sika Manu: Made the line break to set up the game's first try before being rattled by a Dylan Napa hit after 15 minutes. 7
13. Mickey Paea: Didn't miss a tackle in a solid display in the middle of the park. 7
14. Nafe Seluini:The bench hooker didn't make much of an impression in his limited game time. 5
15. Siosaia Vave: Made 10 charges for 81 metres off the bench. 7
16. Willie Manu: Made an impact in defence with four one-on-one tackles. 7
17. Ukuma Ta'ai: Got through some decent work in his time on the field. 7
COOK ISLANDS
1. Drury Low:Set up two tries to Chris Taripo – the first from a grubber kick and the second from a cut-out pass – to help give the Cook Islands the edge in the playmaking positions. 8
2. Chris Taripo:Scored a terrific hat-trick to claim Man of the Match honours, pouncing on two kicks in the first half and adding a great leaping finish for his third try at the start of the second half. 9
3. Brad Takairangi: Troubled the Tongan defence with 15 carries for 109 metres plus three offloads. 7.5
4. Keith Lulia: Was hard to stop, making four tackle breaks, 14 runs for 118 metres, three offloads and a line break. 8
5. Jordan Rapana: Bombed a try in the second half in his most notable play of the game, somehow losing possession after already crossing the tryline untouched. It was one of three handling errors for the winger. 5
6. Johnathan Ford: Played second fiddle to John in the halves but produced an error-free display. 6.5
7. Isaac John: Brilliantly set up the Cooks' first try with a chip kick for his winger and did plenty of defensive work with 20 tackles, but did concede a couple of penalties. 7.5
8. Dylan Napa: Did the hard yards up the middle with 14 carries and a team-high 25 tackles. 7.5
9. Daniel Fepuleai:Kept things simple from dummy half and defended well. 7
10. Zane Tetavano:Had little game time with just three hit-ups. 5.5
11. Dominique Peyroux: Did his job with nine runs and 22 tackles. 7
12. Zeb Taia: The best of the Cook Islands forwards, running 17 times for 140 metres and offloading three times. 8
13. Tinirau Arona: Only Taia made more metres in the Cooks' pack. 7.5
14. Hikul'eo Malu:Largely unseen, with just a single run. 5
15. Adam Tangata: Solid enough with half a dozen hit-ups and 12 tackles. 6
16. Joseph Matapuku: Did a decent job off the bench. 6
17. Sam Mataora:Comically played the ball the wrong way to concede a penalty that led to Tonga's second try, but did make 15 tackles. 6
http://www.nrl.com/tonga-v-cook-islands-player-ratings/tabid/10874/newsid/75281/default.aspx
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