Taione suffers Tonga torment

By Mark Stevens
11/6/2016

Fiji fought back from 15-0 down at the break to seal a 23-18 victory over Tonga in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup at ANZ National Stadium in Suva.

Tonga, who included Exeter Chiefs hooker Elvis Taione in their starting line-up, were the dominant force during the opening 40 minutes and were bossing proceedings at the turn thanks to tries from Pila Iongi and Tana Takulua.

However, the hosts recovered after the break as Ben Volavola and Nemia Soqeta crossed before a 74th minute Eremasi Radrodro try sealed victory.

Fiji will take on Samoa in their second match of the tournament, again in Suva, next Saturday, while Tonga will host Georgia in a friendly game.

Fiji: Tries - Volavola, Soqeta, Radrodro; Conversion - Bai; Penalties - Bai (2)

Tonga: Tries - Iongi, Takulua; Conversion - Takulua; Penalties - Taulua (2)