Australia vs Tonga: Pacific Championships live

 

Australian centres Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Tom Trbojevic starred as a rusty Kangaroos outfit beat a brave Tonga side 18-0 in their Pacific Championships opener at Suncorp Stadium.

It was an underwhelming start to the tournament for the Kangaroos, with plenty of room for improvement according to Corey Parker.

“They’re a work in progress,” Parker said.

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“You can well and truly see that they’ve only spent a short amount of time together.

“It’s a new spine, they’re trying to get some combinations (going) and some cohesion.

“They defended very well… but with the ball, 16 errors and only completed at 65 per cent.

“Underwhelming. I’m not sure what to think of that. Defensively, I was very excited with what I saw – the passion and commitment – but with the ball they’ve got some work to do.”

Tabuai-Fidow was a highlight for the Aussies finishing with 133 metres, three tackle busts and a try, while Trbojevic finished with 211 metres, three tackle busts, a linebreak assist, a try assist and a try in a superb return to Test footy.

Tom Dearden also scored on debut, finishing with 69 run metres, five tackle busts, a linebreak and a four-pointer on the bell.

It was a mixed bag from Australia’s new halfback Mitchell Moses, who looked rusty after a long lay-off and his kicking game was below its best.

However, it was also a frustrating night for Tonga halves Isaiya Katoa and Tuimoala Lolohea, who were guilty of two kick-offs out on the full and five 20 metre restarts from their poor kicking game.

Lehi Hopoate had a mixed bag on debut, after he was sin-binned despite running for 140 metres from the back and surely clubmate Tolutau Koula will come into contention for their clash with the Kiwis in a fortnight.

A spine tingling Sipi Tau from Tonga set the scene for a mouth-watering battle.