Australia A hammer Tonga

Stephen Hoiles ran in four tries and Digby Ioane, Sam Norton-Knight and Drew Mitchell two each as Australia A overwhelmed Tonga 90-7 Sunday in a Pacific Nations Cup rugby match.

At North Sydney Oval, league convert Timana Tahu also scored one try for Australia A. Tahu, who missed much of his first Super 14 season with the New South Wales Waratahs because of injury, played at inside center and also set up six other tries.

Tahu threw the final pass for four first-half tries.

Wallabies coach Robbie Deans asked that Tahu, who played primarily on the wing and occasionally in the centers during his injury-interrupted Waratahs season, 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." The win put Australia A top in the six-team competition, two points ahead of New Zealand Maori.

Australia A 90 Tonga 7 (H-t: 43-0)

Scorers

Teams (15 to 1)

Australia: Lachlan Turner; Matt Carraro, Morgan Turinui, Timana Tahu, Digby Ioane; Sam Norton-Knight, Brett Sheehan; Stephen Hoiles, Richard Brown, Hugh McMeniman; Peter Kimlin, Mark Chisholm; Sekope Kepu, Sean Hardman, Ben Alexander.

Reserves: John Ulugia, Guy Shepherdson, Al Campbell, Julian Salvi, Patrick Phibbs, Daniel Halangahu, Drew Mitchell.

Tonga:Vunga Lilo; Samisoni Pone, Suka Hufanga, Metui Maile, Sione Piukala; Fangatapu Apikotoa, Soane Havea; Lotu Filipine, Nili Latu, Joshua Afu; Emosi Kauhenga, Sione Timani; Tonga Lea'aetoa, Viliami Ma'asi, Toma Toke.

Reserves: Semisi Telefoni, Sateki Mata'u, Samiu Ika, Tevita Fifita, Enele Taufa, Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu, Tupou Palu.

Referee: Paul Honiss (NZL)

Sapa-AFP - Rugbyweek.com