Pool C
Tonga 22 d. Ireland 20

2008 World Cup Index [Table] [Draw] [Player Stats]

Location: International > Nations > First Grade Competition: World Cup

McCallum issues Uaisele a caution
Tue October 28, 2008
The 2008 Rugby League World Cup Match Commissioner, Greg McCallum, has cautioned Tonga's Etuate Uaisele over a tackle in the 24th minute of last night's match against Ireland at Parramatta Stadium.

The Tongan back was found to have made "unnecessary conduct with the head or neck of an opponent".

Under the World Cup Disciplinary Code of Procedure, the Tournament Match Commissioner may issue a caution in lieu of a suspension should he deem it appropriate. However no player can receive more than one caution during the World Cup.

Etuate remains available for selection in Friday night's match between Tonga and Samoa at Penrith Stadium.


Heartbreak for the Wolfhounds
Tue October 28, 2008
Source: www.rlwc08.com

The Irish Wolfhounds went within a whisker of pulling off the upset of the tournament so far, in losing to Tonga 22-20 tonight at Parramatta Stadium.

Considered rank outsiders by most the Irish kept pace with their more fancied opponents and were anything but intimidated by the size and strength of the Tongan pack.

They took the lead after 33 minutes thanks to first half tries to fullback Michael Platt and winger Damien Blanch, but a try to Tongan winger Cooper Vuna`saw the Irish trailing by two points at the break.

The second half was a see-sawing affair, and while Tonga started the better it was Ireland who crossed first through Damien Blanch who scored out wide after a brilliant off-load from Sean Gleeson.

Another try from Jim Dymock's men saw Tonga re-gain the lead, but with just 15 minutes to go, Ireland were back in front with Blanch crossing for his third try, plucking a perfectly weighted Liam Finn kick out of the air to score out wide. With Pat Richards adding the extras, the Blarney Army were in ecstacy.

But the fairytale start wasn't to be for Ireland, with a Feleti Mateo 40-20 setting the platform for a late Tonga try which eventually proved the difference.

While disappointed, coach Andy Kelly praised him troops for the doggedness and refusal to give up.

"It's hard to explain how proud I am of the boys. We were written off before the game, but the lads matched fire with fire and proved we will be a handful for any side."

For three try hero Damien Blanch the experience was bittersweet. "It was great to get a hattrick, but devastating to lose in those circumstances. We might have a lifeline, but we didn't really want to rely on that. But as it stands, go Samoa on Friday."

For more World Cup information visit: www.rlwc08.com

WORLD CUP LINKS
Home Page: http://worldcup.rleague.com
Wallpaper: http://wallpaper.rleague.com
Live Scores & Stats: http://live.rleague.com
Match Forums: http://forums.rleague.com/forumdisplay.php?f=71
Forum: http://forums.rleague.com/forumdisplay.php?f=77
Ticket Information: http://www.rlwc08.com/schedule
TV Schedule: http://www.rlwc08.com/Broadcast

RESULTS THUS FAR
England 32 d Papua New Guinea 22 - Stats | Reports | Forum
France 36 d Scotland 18 - Stats | Reports | Forum
Australia 30 d New Zealand 6 - Stats | Reports | Forum
Tonga 22 d Ireland 20 - Stats> | Reports | Forum

Mon October 27, 2008
• Kerr and Corcoran omitted from Ireland team for Tonga clash
  
Sat October 25, 2008
• Ireland warm up for World Cup as they enjoy Sydney fanfare
  
Fri October 24, 2008
• Tonga name team for Ireland clash
  
Fri October 24, 2008
• Ireland squad for Tonga clash at Parramatta
  

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