TONGA

News | Profile | Anthem

Tonga beat World XV

Friday 01st August 2008

A Tonga XV side ran in ten tries on Thursday to beat a World invitational team 60-26 in a rugby match honoring the coronation of King George Tupou V.

Before kick-off in the match before 2,000 spectators at Teufaiva Stadium, King George V arrived in his chauffeured London cab to greet invited international guests.

The match, sanctioned by the International Rugby Board, was held as part of this week's coronation celebration in the Pacific island kingdom.

The coronation was the first in Tonga since 1967 when King George V's father, the late King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, ascended to the throne.

The Coronation Tongan XV team ran in five first half tries to lead 33-14.

In the second half the World XV, led by former Welsh captain Colin Charvis, failed to find its rhythm and the host team scored five more tries.

Charvis said the match had been "a good, fun game."

"We came to entertain well, but the Tongans are very strong and congratulations to them on winning today," he added.

The World XV players came from Wales, England, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa.

They included international players such as Brumbies hooker Jeremy Paul, Semo Sititi, former England sevens captain Ben Gollings and former All Black Josh Kronfeld.