Australia A consolidated their lead at the top of the Pacific Nations Cup standings with an overpowering 90-7 win over Tonga yesterday.
The Australians scored 14 tries, with No. 8 Stephen Hoiles grabbing four and reserve back Drew Mitchell collecting a late hat-trick.
Winger Digby Ioane and fly-half Sam Norton-Knight scored a brace of tries against the out-gunned Tongans.
The conversions were shared around between Matt Carraro (4), Daniel Halangahu (3), Norton-Knight (2) and Brett Sheehan.
Australia A have amassed 14 points after three wins, two points ahead of New Zealand Maori.
The Australians, fielding seven of the current Wallabies squad, had the match won with a 43-0 lead by halftime.
Former rugby league international Timana Tahu was judged man of the match at inside center, scoring a try and setting up six others to give Wallabies’ coach Robbie Deans some food for thought.
Deans said he specifically requested that Tahu, who played primarily on the wing and occasionally in the center during his injury-interrupted Super 14 campaign this year, start at inside center.
“That’s clearly one position he can play for sure. [Australia A coach Phil Mooney] and I had a conversation and just thought it would be good for him to get as many involvements as possible,” Deans said. “He did well and there’s obviously still a lot of scope for growth, but every time he plays he will be better for it.”
Drew Mitchell and flanker Hugh McMeniman each proved they had recovered from injury.
Viliami Ma’asi scored a second-half consolation converted try for the demoralized Tongans.
Tonga will aim to bounce back next Sunday at home to Samoa.
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