No fairytale ending for Tonga as Fiji make history in Cardiff

Halo! Happy Papua New Guinea Language Week. Congratulations to our PNG Kumuls and Orchids, who featured in two finals on the weekend. It’s been another big week in sports, so let’s get stuck in!

Tonga fightback falls short

The Kangaroos' poise proved too strong for Tonga’s intensity, clinching a 20-14 victory in the Pacific Championships rugby league Cup final in Sydney on Sunday.

The Tonga XIII were fired-up in the opening exchanges, claiming most of the possession, with Jason Taumalolo and Addin Fonua-Blake dominating the middles collecting nearly 400 metres collectively.

Tuimoala Lolohea and Jason Taumalolo waving out to fans after the match. Photo/Tonga Rugby League.

But the class of the Australian halves allowed the Kangaroos to get back into the match, finding the most success on the edges, and opening up scoring opportunities.

A late fightback from Tonga was not enough, as the Kangaroos' strong defence held their determined opponents out.

Huge congratulations to the Kangaroos for winning the Pacific Championships, and to Tonga for continuing to prove they belong on the big stage.

Flying Fijians avenge World Cup loss

Fiji have created history - beating Wales for the first time in Cardiff 24-19 and extending Wales' losing streak to 10 matches.

No.10 Caleb Muntz starred for the Flying Fijians, steering a masterful second-half performance despite Semi Radradra receiving the northern hemisphere's first 20-minute red card trial.

The win adds to Fiji's growing list of achievements, following their World Cup quarter-final appearance last year where they notably defeated Australia.

Wales struggled with basic errors and missed opportunities throughout the match, setting up a challenging clash against Australia next weekend while Fiji heads to Spain.

All Blacks cruise through Ireland

Rieko Ioane leading the haka to battle back at the Irish? How good!

The All Blacks were too strong for the #1 ranked side in the world, beating Ireland convingly 23-13 at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

It was a close battle for most of the match, and in wet conditions, both sides didn’t shy away from showing their physicality. The Irish discipline crippled the side with a whopping 13-5 penalty count. Fly-half Damian McKenzie to convert six penalty goals.

Ireland managed to score a try during a sin-bin period from Jordie Barrett, but the All Blacks poise kept them in the match, shutting out any Irish go-forward in the second half.

The All Blacks secure the win against the Irish and now prepare to face France in a highly anticipated rematch.

Suali’i settles into new colours

Joseph Aukuso Suali’i has stamped his mark on the World Rugby stage, with an outstanding ‘Man of the Match’ performance for the Wallabies. Suali’i was prominent in the Wallabies 31-27 win against England 43-27.

Making his debut at Twickenham, Suali’i delivered a man-of-the-match performance in Australia's historic 42-37 victory over England. The 20-year-old looked slick with aerial leaps, no-look passes, and setting up Australia's opening try.

The former NRL star is signed with the NSW Waratahs and has only recently made the switch to Rugby Union this year.

His performance with Australia suggests he could be the superstar they need, heading into next year’s British and Irish Lions tour and the World Cup two years after that.

Australia take home Fast5 title in Christchurch
Australia have won their third straight Fast5 netball title after an amazing comeback win against New Zealand in Christchurch, fighting back from 15 goals down to win 34-30.
Coming out kitted in pink and performing pre-game dance, New Zealand controlled most of the first half through Martina Salmon’s clinical shooting - leading 23-14 at halftime.
Lucy Austin turned the game around after the break with three two-point shots before Reilley Batcheldor's shooting gave Australia their first lead since the start.
A superb defensive effort from Teigan O'Shannassy and Ruby Bakewell-Doran sealed the victory by holding New Zealand to just two points in the final quarter.

Matty’s Golden Point

Matty’s Golden Point is a piece of advice shared on the Pacific Grandstand show.

“Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”