THE Speaker of the Legislative Assembly yesterday told Parliament that celebration of the ‘Ikale Tahi’s victory in downtown Nuku’alofa went on for four hours.
Tonga’s ‘Ikale Tahi defeated Japan by 31-18 points at the Northland Events Centre, Whangarei Wednesday night.
In addressing Parliament and the public in a live broadcast from Parliament, Lord Lasike said their victory is a joy to the nation.
He said on the night after the game, he was sitting in front of his house on Taufa’ahau Road when he saw people waving, shouting and cheering in celebrating Tonga’s win.
According to Lord Lasike, the celebration went on for four hours.
“It amazed me to see them in high spirit and joy last night (Wednesday night)…That’s the spirit we must have – happiness and united,” explained the Hon. Speaker.
Lord Lasike said when police couldn’t stop the crowd from an explosion of cheering and screaming, they joined rugby fans such as nurses, Tonga Power Ltd in beeping their vehicles.
For this reason, Lord Lasike thanked the Hon. Minister of Police for police personnel professionalism in handling the situation.
Parliament news also witnessed some rugby fans even went wild on that night, some pakehas sat on bonnets of their vehicles as they rode slowly along the long queue of vehicles on Taufa’ahau Road.
According to Clerk Assistant and Education Officer of the Legislative Assembly Dr. Sione Vikilani some drunkees who dressed in red and white from Reload Bar took to the streets dancing, screaming and holding Tonga’s flags.
Tonga's 31 points came from two tries in the first half, by Viliami Ma'afu, and Tukulua Lokotui and a third try in the second half by Fetu'u Vainikolo. Kurt Morath added 16 points on from two tries conversions and four converted penalties.
Tonga is to take on France next Saturday, and it must be a win game for the ‘Ikale Tahi in order to qualify for the next Rugby World Cup.