New Zealand :: 25
Tonga :: 24
date: 8th October 1995
Without doubt one of the games of 1995 Halifax Rugby League World Cup, and probably one of the most ferocious, open and skilful games witnessed at Wilderspool.
Returning back to his old club was Tongan captain and hooker Duane Mann, who led the lionhearted islanders into battle that will long be remembered. The game started with both sides performing their own ‘Haka’ for the crowds, just a small taste of entertainment that was about to come.
The Wilderspool crowd, backing the 300-1 Tongan underdogs, roared the team on. The physical impact and sheer bloody-mindedness of the Tongan effort shook the Kiwi’s. Bone crunching tackles and hard running was the order of the day as the first half was a blur of speed, strength and excitement. The crowd was thrilled with the spectacle before them, a true tough game of Rugby League unfolded with the added spice of a nail biting finish.
Trailing 12-6 the Tongans were looking to turn their hard work into points, Taufa equalled things up just after the half. Man of the match Duane Mann led his side and put in a superb kick to the corner in the 49th minute for Jimmy Veikosa to scoop up the ball and dive over in one fluid movement. Salesi Finau picked up a loose ball and sped away to take his team to an amazing twelve point lead.
The noise from the crowd was feeding the players and they were responding as the game moved into the final ten minutes. The Kiwi’s fought back hard, class and skill finally overcoming the all mighty defensive effort of the Tongans. Okesene and Blackmore went in for tries and the sure boot of Mathew Ridge goaled them, making the score equal at 24 all.
The late surge was aided by a mistake from referee David Campbell, who signalled ‘last tackle’ one play early, a mistake that was later forgiven with much grace and humility by the Tongan team. The ball was kicked down field and the kiwi attack took over, driving hard to gain territory. Up stepped captain Mathew Ridge for a drop goal, securing the single point and breaking the hearts of the Tongans, putting a rest to a truly competitive game.
The Tongans thanked the Warrington crowd with another rendition of their “Haka”, especially for the Fletcher Street. Duane Mann commented “in the second half the roar from the Fletcher Street end spurred us on and it was an important part of our flightback from 12-6 down. At the end we did the war dance again as a mark of respect for the fans.”
In the aftermath the kiwis went on to the semi-finals, only to be beaten by England. Memories of games that stand the test of time are a sure way to tell the quality or passion in a match. With the majority of the 8000+ spectators watching being neutral, the atmosphere created by ferocious tackling, strength, skill and above all determination of the Tongans and the Kiwis lives long in the memory of those lucky enough to witness such a spectacle.
New Zealand : Mathew Ridge, Sean Hoppe, Richard Blackmore, Ruben Wiki, Richard Barnett, Gene Ngamu, Stacy Jones, Quentin Pongia, Syd Eru, Jason Lowrie, Tony Iro, Stephen Kearney, Tony Kemp
Subs: Henry Paul, Hitro Okesene, Kevin Iro, Mark Horo
Tries: Blackmore 2, Hoppe, Kemp, Okesene
Goals: Ridge 2, Ridge dg
Tonga : Asa Amone, Una Taufu, Tevita Vaikona, Phil Howlett, Jimmy Veikosa, Angelo Dymock, Willie Wolfgramm, Martin Masella, Duane Mann (captain), Lee Hanson, George Mann, Solomon Haumono, Awen Guttenball.
Subs: Salesi Finau, Talite Liava’a, Luke Leilua, Taukollo Tonga (both not used)
Tries: Wolfgramm, Taufa, Veikosa, Finau
Goals: Amone 4
Referee: David Campbell
Attendance: 8083
