Tonga return to winning ways

Tonga bounced back from their opening game defeat to Georgia to re-establish themselves firmly back in the mix In Pool C following their 35-21 victory over Namibia at Sandy Park.

In front of just over 10,000 people in Exeter, the South Sea Islanders produced a strong first half showing to lead 22-7 at the turn thanks in the main to tries from Telusa Veainu, Jack Ram and Latiume Fosita

Namibia - who lost to defending champions New Zealand in their opening match - countered with a converted score for Johan Tromp.

However, it was the Ikale Tahi who extended there lead after the break as Ram and Veainu added further scores with Saracens' Namibian flanker Jacques Burger being driven over twice in reply.

Ahead of kick-off, Exeter Chiefs full-back Chrysander Botha (pictured) started for Namibia, but former Sandy Park speedster Fetu'u Vainikolo was forced out of Tonga's starting XV with a hamstring strain.

Even without the winger, Tonga got off the mark in the sixth minute as winger Veainu ran straight through the middle, only to be tackled on the line by Russell van Wyk. However, under pressure from Botha, he twisted over the line and referee Glen Jackson awarded the try after consulting with the TMO. Vunga Lilo converted.

Ram crossed for the second in the 12th minute after a neat move at a line-out in Namibia's 22.

It wasn't all one-way traffic as Tromp went over for a try for Namibia after good work and great hands by lock Tjiuee Uanivi. Fly-half Theuns Kotze added the extras.

After former Cornish Pirates and Bristol back Lilo missed a couple of easy kicks, Tonga went for touch from their next penalty and the decision paid off as Fosita dotted down after a great pick-up from Joe Tuineau's pass along the ground. Lilo slotted the simple conversion.

Full-back Lilo kicked a penalty six minutes before the break as a very open first 40 minutes ended with the Pacific islanders leading the Africans 22-7

Veainu created a brilliant second try for Ram as he broke through from deep before passing to the flanker, who stepped inside one tackler then fended off another on a run from the 22.

Namibia hit back as the forwards drove over from a line-out, with skipper Burger (pictured) on the bottom, and the TMO again confirmed the score. Kotze converted.

Tonga scored again through Veainu as they stole Namibia's line-out throw, worked through the phases and created an overlap for the winger to finish off, leaving Botha no chance.

However, Burger and Namibia replied once more, with another drive from a line-out and Kotze added the extras.

With Lilo off, Kurt Morath lined up a penalty wide on the right and got it to become his side's leading scorer of all time with 318 points.

Attention will return to Exeter on Wednesday next week as Namibia take on Georgia.

Tonga: Lilo (Helu, 60); Halaifona, Piutau (Morath, 58), Piukala, Veainu; Fosita, Takulua (Fisilau, 58); Tonga'uiha (Mailau, 60), Lutui (Ngauamo, 47), Puafisi (Aulika, 60), T-Pole (Lokotui, 43), Tuineau, Kalamafoni (Fonua, 33), Ram, Ma'afu

Namibia: Botha; Tromp (Philander, 65), D van Wyk, Deysel (Stevens, 72), R van Wyk; Kotze, Buitendag (De la Harpe, 71); Viviers (Redelinghuys, 58), Van Jaarsveld (Van der Westhuizen, 74), Coetzee (De Klerk, 72), Venter (58), Uanivi, Burger, Kitshoff, Bothma (Du Plessis, 69)

Referee: G Jackson (NZ)

Attendance: 10,103