Thursday, June 16, 2011 - Submitted by Nicol McClelland
HAVING made their debuts into the Churchill Cup this year, Tonga and Italy A will now face each other in the Plate final this Saturday at Sixways Stadium (1415).
The pair willplaythe second game of the day following the Bowl final between USA and Russia at midday.
Tonga’s path to the final was cleared with an opening victory over USA (13-44) thanks to winger Viliami Iongi’s tearing apart of the Eagles with four tries at Esher Rugby. The Tongans biggest test followed with title holders and competition favourites England Saxons in their sightsat Kingsholm where, despite an early flurry, the men in red succumbed to the force of the Saxons’ dominance upfront (14-41)
For the Italians, a closely fought win over Russia (19-24) at Kingsholm ensured their place in the Plate final, although with the likes of Marco Bortolami and Mauro Bergamasco on show, the Azzurri will likely rue the missed opportunity having failed to make an impression against finalists Canada at Franklin’s Gardens (26-12). The former of the two Italy players – who have over 180 caps between them – will captain the side at Sixways.
Churchill Cup finals, Saturday June 18, Sixways.
Bowl final: USA v Russia 1200 Plate final: Tonga v Italy A 1415 Cup final: England Saxons v Canada 1630
Tonga: M Malupo; V Helu, S Hufanga, T Sili, V Iongi; E Paea, S Havea; O Fainga’anuku, A. Halangahu, K Pulu, J Afu, E Kauhenga, S Timani, P Kaho, P Mapakaitolo. Reps: S Telefoni, M. Latu, P Koloamatangi, T Ula, D Morath, S Fonua, K Morath
Italy A: D. Gerber, G. Venditi, A. Pratichetti, A. Pratichetti, A. Esposito; R. Bocchino, T.Tebaldi; M Aguero, T. D’Apice, F. Staibano, J. Furno, M Bortolami (C), L. Petillo, F Minto, M. Vosawai Reps: A. Manici, De Marchi, D. Chistolini, V. Bernabo, G. Toniolatti, R Trevisan, N. Belardo
