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Niua’s hat-trick helps Tonga beat Australia 16-12
Tongan superiority in the first half
What a night for Tonga’s attacking superstar Niua, who scored a hat-trick in his country’s historic 16-12 win over fierce rivals Australia. It was the first time the two rugby league powerhouses had met since the incredibly passionate 2017 World Cup semifinal. Niua was the undoubted hero for Tonga on this occasion, with one of the finest individual displays ever seen in a rugby league international.
Niua scored twice in the first half before his third with 12 minutes to go looked to have put the result beyond doubt. It was a superb first half display by the Tongan side, with their physicality and aggression impressively restricting the Australian team. The Kangaroos were out of sorts, making far too many errors, fumbling possession and kicking poorly. The highlight of an impressive first 40 minutes was Niua’s first try, where he soared high above Australia’s winger to collect a hanging bomb and then twisted his way over the line.
Kaufusi sent off as Australia bounced back
However, while the Tongan supporters in the stadium started to dream, the second half was to prove a completely different story. Australia’s coach had clearly given his players a rocket at half-time, as they started to establish a bit more control and all-important momentum.
Then, with just twenty minutes remaining, disaster struck for Tonga. Felise Kaufusi was sent to the sin bin for a late tackle which saw him put on the report for the second time in the game. This was the lifeline that Australia desperately needed, and they took full advantage of their numerical superiority to pile on the pressure.
The physicality started to shift in the Australian’s favour, with the Tongan’s struggling to hold them out. Eventually, Australia was able to take advantage of the extra man and close the gap with two tries, making the final ten minutes a nail-biting affair.
Niua’s heroics save the day
Inevitably, it was Niua again who was the difference between the two teams, as his tireless work in both defence and attack helped secure Tonga’s remarkable victory. In the end, it was a sensational game that will live long in the memory of all those who had the pleasure to witness it.
Tonga will now head into their next fixture with Scotland with enormous confidence while Australia will no doubt look to bounce back in their next encounter against New Zealand.
Credit: https://www.nrl.com/news/2023/03/17/wingers-run-riot-as-dolphins-continue-perfect-start/
