Mate Ma’a Tonga fans in Vava’u were splashed with water to help them cope with the heat as they celebrated Tonga’s victory over New Zealand.
A truck carrying a large tank of water drove slowly along the road in central Neiafu while a man hosed the die hard supporters who were dancing and parading on the road.
Kaniva News editor Kalino Latu, who is in Tonga to cover the kingdom’s snap elections was on the scene taking pictures and videos last Saturday.
He described the celebrations in Neiafu as “huge.”
We were unable to upload the videos and photos taken at the scene immediately due to bad internet connection in the islands.
Vava’u fans brought traffic to a halt several times in central Neiafu during the celebrations.
Hundreds of supporters came to Neiafu from the surrounding towns and villages to celebrate after the Tongans stormed back in the second half to beat New Zealand for the first time, 28-22.
Police urged locals to be cautious as they struggled to dealing with surging crowds.
“People are going crazy after the match,” Mr. Latu reported.
“Neighbours are yelling at each other to show their jubilation.”
He said cars were blowing their horns in Kameli.
Tonga vs Lebanon
Tonga and Lebanon will clash in the quarterfinal of the Rugby League World Cup in
Christchurch, New Zealand tomorrow (November 18).
Michael Jennings has joined the team after he was replaced by Mahe Fonua last week.
Tonga squad: 1. Will Hopoate 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Michael Jennings 4. Konrad Hurrell 5. David Fusitu’a 6. Tui Lolohea 7. Ata Hingano 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Sione Katoa 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11. Manu Ma’u 12. Sika Manu (c) 13. Jason Taumalolo 14. Siliva Havili 15. Sam Moa 16. Tevita Pangai Jnr. 17. Ben Murdoch-Masila 18. Ukama Ta’ai 19. Joe Ofahengaue 20. Mahe Fonua 21. Samisoni Langi
Lebanon squad: 1. Anthony Layoun 2. Travis Robinson 3. James Elias 4. Adam Doueihi 5. Abbas Miski 6. Mitchell Moses 7. Robbie Farah (c) 8. Tim Mannah 9. Michael Lichaa 10. Alex Twal 11. Nick Kassis 12. Ahmad Ellaz 13. Jamie Clark 14. Mitchell Mamary 15. Ray Moujalli 16. Elias Sukkar 17. Jason Wehbe 18. Andrew Kazzi 19. Chris Saab 20. Bilal Maarbani.
