GOLD COAST — A second-half blitz has guided Australia to an impressive 31-14 win against Tonga in their opening match of the Gold Coast international rugby sevens tournament. Jesse Parahi scored two tries in as many minutes as Australia ran in four second-half tries to defeat the Tongans.
Pama Fou scored Australia's opening try of the tournament when he stepped past a couple of defenders to cruise over just two minutes into the clash.
But Tonga struck back with a breakaway try by Viliame Iongi to ensure the scores were level at 7-all going into the break.
Parahi's two tries sparked the second-half onslaught with Sean McMahon adding another to open up a 26-7 advantage.
Iongi scored once more for Tonga but Australia captain Ed Jenkins had the last say, scoring in the corner after the final siren to complete a good first performance.