First Nations Pasifika have claimed the inaugural Kaume’a Ofi Trophy with a 43-19 win over the Tonga President’s XV.
The FNP team built an early 33-0 lead with a parade of tries in the first 20 minutes, creating an unassailable advantage in the testing conditions.
The match boiled over on several occasions, with multiple cards handed out in a shortened second half.
Flyhalf Chace Oates continues to impress in his young career, named Player of the Match for the winning side.
The Brumbies young gun was in everything early on alongside brother and fullback BJ as they pieced apart the hosts, made up of players based on the island.
Five in the first 20 minutes delivered a monster lead to the visitors as the electric backs went to work after John Grenfell’s opening try.
Wingers Gage Phillips and Angus Tagicakibau scored within five minutes of each other, capitalising on the superb kicking game from the Oates brothers.
Phillips showed the pace that earned him a spot in the Australia Sevens program, sprinting away with a grubber. As for the former Australian Schoolboys flyer Tagicakibau, he scored twice in the first half in an electric showing.
Skipper Triston Reilly capped off the blitz with a comfortable try, with the hosts eventually striking back.
They scored right before the half time siren, reducing the lead as the rain started to pelt down.
Any hope of a comeback for President XV was dashed when they were disallowed a try and reduced to 14 following an off-the-ball scuffle.
Reilly made them pay with his second of the afternoon, easing away for the five pointer.
FNP found themselves down to 14 twice in the second half, which failed to halt their momentum.
Replacement Denzel Veikune sealed the win in his native Tonga at the hour mark.
The game ended on a sour note, finishing eight minutes early as the President XV side continued to draw the referee’s ire with illegal tackles.
This included a red card, with another no-arms hit shortly afterwards leading to the game being called off early.
“We’ve really enjoyed our time here. This is the first time we’ve toured as a 15s group, and we couldn’t be happier. We came here not knowing each other and we leave as brothers,” Reilly said post-match, hoisting the trophy with Prince Tāufaʻāhau Manumataongo Tukuʻaho and Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga Hon. Dr. Viliami Uasike Lātū in attendance at Teufavia Stadium.
“It was a hard game and got fiery at the end but that’s the way rugby is played, and we play with pride and passion and that’s the same with both cultures.”
“The boys really stuck in there. It is a major learning for us. It is such an honour to go up against a few boys at the Super Rugby level … and to represent local rugby here in Tonga,” Tonga President’s XV captain Vutulongo Puloka said:.
“To the first First Nations & Pasifika team, we appreciate you guys for traveling over to Tonga. You’re such a great side. Safe travels back home and we hope you take some of the friendly island way back home with you.”
Supported by the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports initiative and in close collaboration between Tonga Rugby Union and Rugby Australia, the Kaume’a Ofi Trophy — meaning “Close Friends” in Tongan — was established to celebrate the enduring relationship between Tonga and Australia and the role rugby can play in connecting communities.
Source: Rugby Australia
