Harmonies from Tongan room tell real story

Press, 30 May 1987, Page 80

Harmonies from Tongan room tell real story

NZPA Palmerston North The harmonies from rich baritone voices coming from the Tongan dressing room after their rugby World Cup clash against Wales yesterday told the real story. The scoreboard showed a 29-16 win to Wales, but it was the Tongans who displayed the flair, invention and determination that won the admiration of the crowd.

Outside the players’ entrance a group of 50 or more Tongan supporters waited patiently while

their team sang sweetly as if in victory.

Wales fumbled their way through the second round pool 2 World Cup match in much the same way the seemingly incompetent Inspector Clouseau solves his crimes.

But for the awarding of a try which the television replay showed should not have been allowed and the soft try Glenn Webbe scored to notch his hat-trick in the second half, the scoreline could have read dif-

ferently. The statement after the match by the Welsh manager, Clive Rowlands, that it was not one of Wales’ better days would have to be the understatement of the tournament

Mr Rowlands and the captain, Richard Moriarty, admitted the side lacked cohesion and direction and was at a loss to explain the performance.

“There was certainly a bit of confusion out there which we will have to

try and iron out It should never have happened,” Moriarty said.

The lack of direction and communication was highlighted in the second half when in two separate incidents Welsh players ran into each other when trying to mount an attack. The first incident proved costly when first five Malcolm Dacey was forced to leave the field soon after regaining his senses.

Wales started the game briskly and within 10 minutes the right winger, Glenn Webbe, had raced in for two tries and the Welsh led, 10-0.

Webbe’s second try was tainted somewhat when the television replay clearly showed he hit the corner flag before grounding the ball. Tonga were not overawed by their early setback and in the spirit which typified their game they fought back doggedly only to be denied by their slight lack of finesse in finishing.