Defending champions Tokouso made a brilliant start to their title defence campaign, defeating Tabusoro Fiji 26-17 in the second match of the Vodafone Tri Nations 15s series on Saturday.

Held at Aretere Park in Avatiu, the match between these two Tri Nations champion teams was a fierce battle, with Tokouso ultimately emerging victorious.

According to Cook Islands Rugby Union, pre-match favourites Tabusoro, with their fleetfooted backline, got off to a great start and within 10 minutes they were leading by 10 points to nil via a long-range team try that was finished off by their speedy right winger Douglas Matabikau. The try was converted by fullback Mafu Kalas who also kicked a close-range penalty shortly afterwards.  

In the 25^th minute, a Tokouso penalty try scored after a collapsed five metre scrum seemed to wake up the 2023 champions as they slowly got themselves back into this game. Tabusoro led 10-7.

The Fijian side extended its lead in the 28^th minute to 17-7 after inside centre Bill Temo scored a try that is converted by Kalas.

In the 31^st minute, Tokouso’s first 5/8 Viiga Reupena kicked the first of his four penalties for this match to cushion the deficit to 10-17.

A minute later, Tokouso left winger Dave Tuiala scored a try that was converted by Reupena.

Both teams were tied at 17-17 at halftime.

In the second half of this game, Tokouso’s Reupena kicked three penalties in the 45^th, 60^th and 68^th minute of play to keep their scoreboard ticking over and hand Tokouso a 26-17 win.

CIRU’s Ben Koteka reported: “With 10 minutes to play remaining, two defining try-saving ‘back to back’ Tokouso defensive plays late in the second half typified the Tokouso defensive effort; from broken play Tabusoro flyer Douglas Matakibau latches on to a break and with 50 metres of open space to run, he is mown-down by Tokouso fullback Brian Akava. Shortly afterwards another Tabusoro’ player seems to be in the clear and on his way to the tryline inside the opposition 22 metre zone only to be tackled inches from the tryline by desperate Tokouso last-line defence.”

While it was the overall physicality of the Tokouso forwards who laid the foundation for this win, it was typical desperate scrambling defensive effort that shone through, Koteka said.

“Bests players for Tabusoro were silky smooth-running first 5/8 Nathan Nabou and their dynamic loose forwards Petero Lagilagi and Tua Ravula.

“Bests players for Tokouso were; inspirational captain and frontrower Lua Tua, point scoring machine first 5/8 Reupena with his ability to dictate play and utility player Rudi Sifa who started in the forwards and then finished up in the centres.”

Tokouso will play Cook Islands Residents in the final match of the series this Saturday.

Meanwhile Country bounced back in the second match to beat Town 14-10 to keep the inaugural Cook Islands Rugby Union Town vs Country Women’s series alive.

“What another exciting match this was with the scores locked at nil-all at halftime,” Koteka said.

In the second half, Town were the first team to score with a try via a strong carry by loose forward Harriet Tuara.

Country then responded with a try to centre Soko Tikoinavua, after a well-timed break and pass from replacement fullback Patricia Taea. With the precious sideline conversion kicked by first 5/8 Stephanie Nooroa, this brought the score to Country 7 – 5 Town.

The Country’s second try was a long-range effort initiated from inside their own 22 metre zone and this time finished off by midfielder Paeru Ngaroi. Again, converted by Nooroa.

Town’s counter-attacking fullback Shae Te Whatu scored a consultation try right on full time.