Rugby: Tonga keep up pressure against US

NUKU'ALOFA - Tonga scored in the first minute and never let up the pressure to beat the United States 29-6 in their Pacific Rim rugby tournament clash in Nuku'alofa yesterday.

Tonga fullback Siua Taumalolo crossed for a try in the opening play of the game for the first of his two first-half touchdowns.

But he could not convert his own tries in the heavy conditions brought on by tropical downpours before and during the game.

Tonga led 10-3 at halftime after US first five-eighths Grant Wells scored the first of his two penalties.

The home side kept up the pressure throughout the entire second half, with prop Ngalu Ta'u, winger Tevita Tiueti and first five-eighths Elisi Vunipola all crossing for tries, two of which were converted by Taumalolo.

Tonga 29 (S Taumalolo 2, N Ta'u, T Tiueti, E Vunipola tries; Taumalolo 2 con). United States 6 (G Wells 2 pen). Ht: 10-3.

- NZPA