Australia A consolidated their lead at the top of the Pacific Nations Cup standings with an overpowering 90-7 win over Tonga here on Sunday.
The Australians scored 14 tries, with number eight 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 outgunned 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 centre, scoring a try and setting up six other tries 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 centres during his injury-interrupted Super 14 campaign this year, start at inside centre.
"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 demoralised Tongans.
Australia A will play Fiji in Brisbane next Sunday while Tonga will aim to bounce back at home against Samoa.
Sapa-AFP - Rugbyweek.com
.jpg)
.jpg)
