Kata helps Tonga to victory in Spain

By Mark Stevens
6/11/22

Exeter Chiefs star Solomone Kata helped Tonga to a comfortable 40-6 victory over Spain in their opening international in the Autumn period.

The summer signing lined up on the wing for the Ikale Tahi at the Estadio Ciudad de Malaga.

Tonga an early lead through a Willie Havili penalty, only for Spain to hit back almost immediate with a successful kick of their own through fly-half Gonzalo Vinuesa.

It stayed that way until just before the half-hour mark when Tonga hit their rivals with two quick-fire tries. Hooker Sam Moli grabbed the first, rumbling over from a well-drilled catch-and-drive, then Havili got in on the act himself, picking a lovely line through the heart of the Spain defence to race over.

Vinuesa grabbed a second successful penalty on 40 minutes, but that would be the final bright spark for the hosts who were undone with three late tries from the visitors.

Flanker Solomone Funaki grabbed two of them with lock Vaea Fifita grabbing the other to seal the victory. Havili converted two of the three to finish with a personal haul of 17 points.

Next up for Tonga is a clash with Chile at the Stadionul National Arucul de Triumph in Romania this Saturday.