Defensive drills will loom large in Tonga’s workload this week after they conceded 10 tries in their 60-14 defeat by Scotland on Saturday.
The tourists were due to welcome eight additional players to their squad yesterday as they began preparations for their match against England on Saturday but, with little time to integrate the newcomers, they will surely face similar problems at Twickenham.
As individuals the Tongans presented a fierce physical challenge to the home team. As a collective they lacked the solid structure needed to keep a well-drilled home attack at bay.
Kyle Steyn in particular exploited that shortcoming ruthlessly, becoming the first Scot since Gavin Hastings in 1995 to score four tries in a Test. Rufus McLean touched down twice, Pierre Schoeman, George Turner, Nick Haining and Oli Kebble also scored tries, and Blair Kinghorn and Ross Thompson added three and two conversions, respectively. David Lolohea claimed the Tongans’ solitary try, to which James Faiva added three penalties.
“Clearly we had some challenges, especially in the first half, around our defensive organisation and connection,” Tonga’s acting head coach, Grant Doorey, said. “Scotland scored a couple of set-piece tries, so that will be a focus area.
“But we will also be working hard to look at the positives. There was a lot of good energy. At times we looked really good with ball in hand; we were able to put pressure on Scotland in different parts of the field.
“But we didn’t manage position and territory, so those position and territory aspects will be absolutely fundamental against England. Clearly we’ll have to work hard on our defensive side of the game to prepare for England.”
By contrast Gregor Townsend could hardly have hoped for a more reassuring start to his team’s Autumn Nations Series, although a high penalty count and some defensive lapses will be a concern for the Scotland coach, who said he had been impressed by some of the visitors’ play. “We were aware Tonga didn’t have their full squad available but I thought they played some good rugby,” he said. “They showed they should be a growing team over the next few years.”
In common with his Tongan counterparts, Townsend will welcome a number of new players to his squad as they prepare for Sunday’s match against Australia. Captain Stuart Hogg and the fly-half Finn Russell are two who appear sure to return to the starting lineup after missing out on Saturday . The match fell outside the international window.
