Solid Second Half Too Late for Ikale Tahi

A great first half commanding performance was the difference between the two sides as Argentina managed to get through a relentless Tongan team. The Los Pumas managed to hold on to a 28-12 win at the Hanazono Rugby Stadium even after a second half resurgence and great performance by the Tonga side.

Argentina started the game in a dominant way as they quickly took the lead. Moreover, Los Pumas managed to end the first half with a 28-7 lead. And the result was not just a coincidence as coach Ledesma was very targeted with his starting lineup.

Julian Montoya showed a top-class performance as the Jaguares hooker scored a hat trick. Therefore, and rightly so, he was the pick for the man of the match award. "I'm really happy about how the team played. I'm really happy and really honoured to wear this jersey. This (Player of the Match award is really nice), but the important thing is playing for Argentina, and representing my country." Julian Montoya - post match thoughts.

Defensively, Marcos Kremer was the key for Argentina. The 22-year-old loose forward had a commanding performance for Los Pumas recording 10 carries and making 14 tackles, a great effort on a steaming hot day against a big Tongan pack.

Tonga headed into this game as the underdog but there was a good feeling in their camp that they could come up with the win. However, the swift start of Los Pumas put the Tonga team with their backs against the wall. Moreover, they ended the first half trailing 28-7, that eventually proved to be too much for Ikale Tahi to come back from. On a positive note, Ikale Tahi managed to keep Los Pumas scoreless the entire second half of the game, an area that Coach Toutai Kefu will aim to build on for the remainder of the tournament. The Ikale Tahi stats were good with an overall 95% tackle success rate combined with 47% ball possession.

"We didn't get off to a good start. We gave away a couple of easy tries early in the first half so that hurt us in the end." Toutai Kefu’s reflections on the match.

Dual RWC player Telusa Veainu worked hard for the Tongans with 10 ball carries and 37 metres, the most for the Ikale Tahi. The fullback also scored a double for the Ikale Tahi and played a pivotal role in Tonga’s attacking arsenal.

In the end the Tonga team suffered a defeat from a well-tested tier one nation side who were both relieved and excited about the win having lost to France 23 – 21 in their world cup opening match. The Los Pumas second half defensive performance, however, is something the team will need to improve on before their next big game which is against England this coming Saturday. 

"I thought we were very good in the first half, and not in the second half." Coach Mario Ledesma following the match.

Telusa Veainu’s efforts in the game could have a galvanizing effect on the Tongan side coming into their next game. However, the team will need to watch risky plays and respect the opposition a bit more as they gave away 28 points in quick succession in the first half. The Ikale Tahi will need to step up early in their next game against the Les Bleus this Sunday and not wait until the second half to play more competitively.