Tonga and Italy A step up to the Plate

Having made their debuts into the Churchill Cup this year, Tonga and Italy A will now face each other in the Plate final this Saturday at Sixways Stadium (1415).

The pair will play the second game of the day following the Bowl final between USA and Russia at midday.

Tonga’s path to the final was cleared with an opening victory over USA (13-44) thanks to winger Viliami Iongi’s tearing apart of the Eagles with four tries at Esher Rugby. The Tongans biggest test followed with title holders and competition favourites England Saxons in their sightsat Kingsholm where, despite an early flurry, the men in red succumbed to the force of the Saxons’ dominance upfront (14-41)

For the Italians, a closely fought win over Russia (19-24) at Kingsholm ensured their place in the Plate final, although with the likes of Marco Bortolami and Mauro Bergamasco on show, the Azzurri will likely rue the missed opportunity having failed to make an impression against finalists Canada at Franklin’s Gardens (26-12). The former of the two Italy players – who have over 180 caps between them – will captain the side at Sixways.

Churchill Cup finals, Saturday June 18, Sixways.

Bowl final: USA v Russia 1200
Plate final: Tonga v Italy A 1415
Cup final: England Saxons v Canada 1630

Tonga: M Malupo; V Helu, S Hufanga, T Sili, V Iongi; E Paea, S Havea; O Fainga’anuku, A. Halangahu, K Pulu, J Afu, E Kauhenga, S Timani, P Kaho, P Mapakaitolo. Reps: S Telefoni, M. Latu, P Koloamatangi, T Ula, D Morath, S Fonua, K Morath

Italy A: D. Gerber, G. Venditi, A. Pratichetti, A. Pratichetti, A. Esposito; R. Bocchino, T.Tebaldi; M Aguero, T. D’Apice, F. Staibano, J. Furno, M Bortolami (C), L. Petillo, F Minto, M. Vosawai Reps: A. Manici, De Marchi, D. Chistolini, V. Bernabo, G. Toniolatti, R Trevisan, N. Belardo

Tickets remain available for the Churchill Cup at the home of the Warriors this Saturday. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or click HERE


SIGN UP TO THE WARRIORS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER