It couldn't have gotten any worse for Wallaby rugby losing to a lowly rated Tonga in 1973. Aussie rugby was definitely in the doldrums in the early 70s winning only 2 tests against major nations since 1970. Bob Templeton and Dave Brockoff started turning Aussie rugby around into a competitive team in the mid-late 70s. Winning the Bledisloe cup in 1979 marked them as top International side.
They were called the awful aussies for a reason...although NZ also won test series with big scores in 1974 both Australia and New Zealand were not strong in the early 70s.
Growing up in Tonga you heard stories of Valita Ma’ake..he was a pretty faced assassin! And old heads have their own stories of when Valita knocked them out. Which are recollections from those that saw the hit. Cos if Valita really hit you, you didn’t remember a damn thing! Lol
This Tongan team had it all….boy number 15 and 13 could tackle and thump players - solid hits…..and the whole team passing and support was sublime as well - just as good was there awareness and running…..that was a well deserved win by the best team on the day - great victory 🔥💯❤️
I got to be with Isikeli Vave when he passed away in Kauai. It was an honor to meet one of the Ikale Tahi of that Era! Love this Team and the heart they played with. Otua mo Tonga ko hoku Tofi’a. 🙏🏾✝️❤️🙌🏾🇹🇴💪🏾🤙🏾
It's is no man in planet tacle like the ISLAND boys style, from the mountain to the ocean,they leave there brain out side line, put it on after match, hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh,
...a huge man with crackin' pace and just a tuff customer on the rugby pitch ....a legend of Tongan rugby for sure ,he went on to make a name for himself in Australian league....had the honour of playing against him in the TEST on Buckhurst Park 1973
It was 45 years ago this year when this game was played. . . great stuff, free running rugby, and that's the way I love my rugby. Today's line-up style is so boring and restrictive and puts me off watching rugby altogether . .!! Can we go back to the old style of playing RUGBY UNION, please ????? . . .thank you.
Boy No#15 will be rembered..’Barracuda tackle’ leaves one with excruciating pain especially after the match and probably a skip of dinner n early nap!!lol..
Sir rip Colin Mead said when he dive for a try test with Maori in Tonga he never met a solid hit by t, full back n out told by Fr O'rouck NZ priest teacher at St John h School in 73 av memo
This was a great game that was won by great tongan football players of back in the day here in Brisy.My dear beloved mother was at this game too n thoroughly enjoyed it.This was one of my mums fav past memories. R.I.P to those that have passed from this team. R.I.L to the (Queen of Brisbane)Ielema Kalala Taueva Tuise Havea-Peu. God bless n Have a nice day everyone.
This sterling performance by Tonga, tell the world, that we, the Pacific People have it in us to stand tall amidst the best in the world! Vinaka Tonga!
