Italy leads against Tonga at the interval

Italy 9 Tonga 7

John Payne’s 35th-minute try hauled Tonga back into their World Cup Pool D clash in Canberra after Italy looked set to enter half-time with a comfortable nine-point cushion.

Rima Wakarua had slotted three penalties as the Italians’ pack – led by their rampant back row – exerted plenty of pressure on their smaller opponents but Tonga struck back through Payne’s touchdown to throw the game wide open.

Tonga are renowned for their physical approach and they lived up to their reputation as early as the second minute when former ACT Brumbies flanker Ipolito Fenukitau hauled down Gonzalo Canale with a high tackle, earning him 10 minutes in the sin-bin.

It was a disappointing early blow for the Pacific Islanders, especially as they had raced out of the starting blocks with a powerful rolling maul which swept them within 20 metres of the Italians’ line.

Instead, it was John Kirwan’s men who drew first blood through a Rima Wakarua penalty – and they almost extended their lead in the 10th minute when Christian Stoica and Nicola Mazzucato combined down the left before the latter was scragged by Tonga’s wide defence.

Italy continued to threaten with a bullocking run from flanker Andrea de Rossi, winning another penalty when the big blindside was eventually hauled down to give Wakarua another shot at goal, which the Auckland-born fly-half gratefully accepted.

In contrast Tonga’s Sateki Tu’ipulotu was having trouble with the boot, missing two kickable penalties, and just to rub salt into the wound Wakarua slotted his third in the 30th minute following excellent work from number eight Sergio Parisse.

The score sparked Tonga’s attacking machine into life however as they surged upfield and stretched the Italians’ line to breaking point, using quick hands in the backs to feed Payne who dived over in the corner.

New Zealand referee Steve Walsh went to the television match official for confirmation but there was no need for the second opinion – it was a clear try and Tu’ipulotu added the near-touchline conversion.