The All Blacks record equalling 102-nil win over Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium highlighted the struggles faced by tier two nations and how uneven the playing field really was in Penrose.
Many Tonga players had to pay for their own quarantine in New Zealand and the Ikale Tahi selected 13 debutants, some plucked from New Zealand club rugby, due to player unavailability.
The ‘Ikale Tahi team drew cheers from their fans as they walked towards the All Blacks haka, but that was where the challenge ended for Tonga.
The All Blacks scored 16 tries to none against an ‘Ikale Tahi side peppered with amatuer players, but who who played with passion until the final whistle.
“I’m just very proud. We didn’t get the result tonight but I’m just very proud of my brothers here, a lot of people don’t know what we’re going through behing the scenes.”
Captain Sonetane Takulua’s emotional post match interview revealing the difficulties Tonga faced in preparing for the game.
The All Blacks coach Ian Foster was frustrated by suggestions the match didn’t benefit either side and was a poor look for international rugby.
“I’d like to think that we’re not just going to focus on the scoreline and say this was a game that shouldn’t have happened, because I think for the Tongan people it was an important game and it was equally important for us.
“In today’s environment you take what you can get.”
However Foster concedes it was an unfair buildup for Tonga, with Covid restrictions and World Rugby’s small international window severly affecting their preparation.
The Tonga coach, former Wallabies No.8 Toutai Kefu, confirming his players had to pay their own way through MIQ and pleading with World Rugby to relax its eligibility rules to make it easier for players to represent their country of heritage.
He wants players to simply be able to switch from tier one to tier two nations after a three year stand down period.
Kefu said his team won’t dwell on Saturday night’s scoreline, but they will always remember playing for Tonga.
“Our blindside [Mateaki] Kafatolu, he’s 32 making his debut, he’s been playing ITM Cup for five or six years and this is his dream come true. This game he is going to remember for the rest of his life and to be able to play against the All Blacks he’s going to be able to tell those stories to his grandchildren.”
