Pacific / Tonga

Sport: 'Ikale Tahi seek revenge in Georgia

08:35 am on 24 November 2018

The 'Ikale Tahi are determined to exact revenge on Georgia in the final match of their Northern Rugby tour this weekend.

Tonga were pipped 16-15 by the Lelos in their first test of the year back in June, which made it three straight defeats against the Eastern Europeans.

Flanker Dan Faleafa is one of 10 Tongan players who played in that game and are determined to make amends in Tbilisi.

"We didn't really execute some opportunties that were given to us. I thought we sort of gave them the game - that's what frustrates us the most is we knew we should have beaten them and we should have played a lot better, executed all our plays, but in the end a few key errors sort of cost us the game."

Georgia celebrate win over Tonga RWC2015 Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"They've got the similar sort of size and power like the Pacific Island teams - I guess that's their main strength. They've got a few boys in the (French) Top 14 so they're building, their rugby is getting better and better each year so they're really a force to be reckoned with right now. Second tests for us this weekend and looking forward to hopfully getting one back on them since we've lost to them the last three times."

Tonga were embarrassed 74-24 against a second-string Wales team last weekend, while Georgia came from 16 points down to defeat Samoa 27-19.

Tonga's Dan Faleafa is tackled by Tomos Williams during the 74-24 defeat in Cardiff. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Manu dominated the hosts up front during the first half, until injuries struck, and Dan Faleafa says believes the 'Ikale Tahi can match it with their renowned forwards.

"We know Georgia have a big forward pack and they're strong with their scrums and driving mauls and stuff so if we can match them up front and (get) some clean ball then hopefully we can score some tries out wide and give the backs some space to do their thing."

Sonatane Takulua, Kurt Morath and Vungakoto Lilo all played in Tonga's 23-19 victory in Tbilisi back in 2014.