Autumn International: Wales v Tonga Rugby Union

Early November at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. The champions of

Europe against the second-best team in the world. Fantastic break by

South Africa! It is the same old story. Wales still have only beaten

South Africa once in 107 years. A wonderful try for Tony Faletau.

The Argentinian defence caught out. The Springboks were not handing out

any gifts, even if the Argentinians were, but as Wales' Autumn

International campaign goes into the second half, it is time to welcome

the South Sea Islands. 12 months ago, it was Samoa who came and left

a victorious. This time, it is the turn of Tonga. Wales are clearly on

an upward curve. Tonight is time to get their skates on. Three weeks of

rough and tumble has left the team looking like they are in an A

department. This evening, Ryan Jones captains Wales with Sam Warburton on

the bench. The 73rd cap for James Hook in a star-studded back

division. Tonga, they are always euphemistically described as

uncompromising, and if it has been physical over the past two weeks,

when it is time for round three of these water nationals -- of these

Autumn Internationals, it could get tough. But these guys can play, as

France will testify, after they were given a real run for their money

last weekend. Two really good tries in the corner. This is one of the

iconic stadiums of world rug, and for almost all these players, it is

their first time here. It has been a real winter 's day in Cardiff, but

in a good way. The roof is on, which will hopefully keep us all warm.

What better way to start a weekend of international rugby on a Friday

night? We can go back in time is -- back in time with our memories.

Tonight we have the technology to do it. Tonight is the night before The

Doctor! This is the fourth of five weekends of international fixtures.

Over the next 48 hours, we have Italy against Argentina. That is an

interesting game. Perhaps the most eagerly anticipated

match of the weekend is Wales against Australia. Keith, are you

looking forward to the Irish match? Pure trepidation. They are afraid of

their lives, of actually letting themselves down. They have a very,

very outside chance of getting a win, and they are really afraid of

just not turning up. And in the way that England upset New Zealand last

year, because they want to go through the whole calendar year

unbeaten, the motivation is there for the All Blacks in a big way. The

All Blacks have the motivation. England is the template. Even with

the level they played last week, with that level of absolute

concentration, that is what is needed for Ireland to have any

chance. Wales tonight of playing against a Tongan team that were

perhaps regarded as the porcine Asian -- as the poor relations of

the southern island teams. It is never easy to play the Pacific

island teams. It could be a banana skin for Wales. They seem to get

inspired when they come to the stadium. They are capable of winning

against the top nations. They have beaten France and Scotland. With

their talents, you cannot underestimate them. What a great

opportunity it is for Tonga, because this is one of the world's great

stadiums. There is no fear in their faces coming out. For them it is an

opportunity. It especially with all the changes to the side for Wales.

None of these players have ever played here before. Is that a

factor? I think it inspires them. It is a great atmosphere. The roof will

be shut. For a lot of these boys, it is a shop window will stop it is a

professional game, and a lot of clubs will be doing -- will be

watching. After the much improved performance against Argentina last

week, the Welsh camp has been in a much more buoyant mood. We went

along to meet them. Martyn Williams dropped a goal off the bench in the

last World Cup, as he never ceases to tell people! The last time Wales

played against Tonga, you were there on a Friday night. Any chance of a

drop goal? I am on the bench this week. A little bit of rotation. To

have a world-class seven is a luxury to have starting. It is the backs.

The forwards will walk down, and the backs get the bus down, which is

about 200 yards. And another 100 yards down to the pitch. Will you

get a bus again? Outstanding performance on Saturday. Pretty

confident? Re-Mac hopefully I can repeat the same against Tonga. Wales

rugby coach, Warren Gatland, has given most of his star players the

weekend off. There is a fair amount of experience amongst those changes

as well. It was a bit of a surprise to everybody. We are looking forward

to seeing James Hook back in it. It is always a difficult balance for

the management team with injuries. Given a lot of the youngsters need

an opportunity... Is he out again for his yearly Friday night game?

What is your preparation for Tonga? We know what is coming. We've come

unstuck before. We've got to be collectively better than them. Maybe

two or three years ago, he made that many changes. Maybe you will be

worrying? The lung -- the young players are coming in. You do have

to get the speed up quickly. When was your last start for Wales? This

time last year. Despite all the changes, it is Ystalyfera strong

looking pack. Yes, we will try to take that front from the last game.

That driver from the line-out. A bit of a different game plan as well. We

are against different opposition. They are really physical. We need to

go for their weaknesses. Any differences over last week? I think

going. Keep your head down. I don't think I be running straight at! Keep

your head down! Good luck. Shaun Edwards has upped the anti-bit this

week by asking the referee if he would pay particular attention to

hide tackles. Is this unwarranted reputation, or is it a bit of an

urban myth? It was definitely warranted in times past, but both

Samoa and Tonga have improved for that. It still doesn't make them shy

of having a little bit of a scrap. They do hit really hard. They try

and hit across the chest. The idea isn't about keeping your head down,

it is about keeping your head up. That is a big difference. You have

two usual footwork. You run straight, you run high. It is a

physical game. I toured down there about tenures ago, and it is the

friendliest face in the world to go. Little kids cross over the street to

welcome you to the island, and then they absolutely smash you the second

you go onto the grass! Tonight is a moment of history for Warren

Gatland. It is his 100th international in charge of the

national team. Tonight, it is his 59th time at the helm for Wales.

Congratulations, Warren. Apart from the fact of getting a good win, what

else to hope to get out of the game tonight? Thank you. It is a great

opportunity for us to make so many changes. In the past, we haven't

been so effective in doing that. It is a challenge for the team with the

changes to give us a bit -- a good performance. It is a night ballot --

it is a nice balance with the youth and the experience. In the past,

when we have made changes against these teams, we haven't been as

clinical as we would like. We would like to continue on with the things

we did well last week, and for the boys to go out there and put the

pressure on players who did so well against Argentinian last. One late

change for Wales. Tell us about that. For a Mac we brought in Dan

Lydiate for Andrew Coombs, who has been injured or week. He has failed

a fitness test, unfortunately. Enjoy your 100th.

Here is Warren Gatland's selection tonight.

Ken Owens will be looking to make a big impact. Probably the two tallest

Wales second row players we have ever put out. In the back row, not a

bad replacement for Andrew Coombs and Dan Lydiate. -- in Dan Lydiate.

There is Warren Gatland. Keith, you have had some ideas on selections he

has made in recent weeks. What you make of that eight this evening? I

think it is very impressive. Key for me is Hibbard. I would like to see

war button and Hibberd play together. Warburton likes to chop

guys down. It is incredible to have that level of depth in their back

row. Some raw talent tonight. Jonathan Davies is part of our

commentary team. What do you make of this seven at the back? I think it

is the back of a strong pack. Lloyd Williams is playing pretty well for

the blues. James Hook, a lot of people want to see him there. Just

play your game, don't try too hard. Young Owen Williams, a lot of

potential, this kid. As an done a lot of games, so match fitness will

be a big test. Hal Amos comes in from the Dragons. I see George North

taking the ball up this evening. For me, it is this guy. He needs to just

control this game, not keep it loose, no long pass interceptions,

just steady, solid, and then the flashy stuff will come later. I

expect a lot from James Hook this evening. In terms of the Welsh

performances over the last couple of weeks, what do you think was the key

difference in the match against the pumas last week and the Springboks

the week before? Support was the key thing. Support their inside and

out. Against South Africa, they didn't do it, and they lost the game

because they didn't score from those opportunities. One more pass, and

that is a try. Ball goes wide. Scott Williams is there, and there's four

tired Argentinian forward is there. He hits the break. He comes inside,

and look at the support. Three on the left-hand shoulder, and two on

the other touchline. He runs with the ball, he gets over the tackle

again. One more pass and that is a try. So the support has been good.

The kicking game has been good. Now, they just have to score tries from

those opportunities. The support has improved dramatically. Talking to

some people last night about who is the most exciting player in northern

hemisphere rug play -- rugby at the moment, and George North is a real

contender. People forget that he is still young, 22, and learning his

trade. He finds the ball in open play. There is nothing more exciting

than 50 or 60 minutes for a guy with pace. We saw how dangerous he could

be last week. He has pace, and his chassis is

huge. It cost for him, going to Northampton, they chide to find his

feet, and he is beginning to come up again. He has already done so much,

he is the guy to hang their hat on. The list for the players of the year

was announced half an hour before we went on air, Leigh Halfpenny is on

it. George North is not. For the players who are making their debuts,

it is a monumental occasion, but it is almost bigger for Logan James,

who has cerebral palsy, and is the Welsh team mascot. His parents

filmed the moment when his mother told him he would be the Welsh

mascot and it and walk out alongside his hero, Leigh Halfpenny. His

reaction has become an Internet sensation.

Would you be prepared to run on the field for the Welsh team? Yes! Yes!

Yes! Yes! I will! It is not me that has done it!

How lovely! Not a dry eye in the house. There he is, and

unforgettable line for him and his friends and family. To the

opposition, Tonga, they are a nation with a rich would be heritage.

They gave the rugby world its most famous ever player. And its gifts to

the northern hemisphere have been generous as well, Toby Faletau now

was born in the South Pacific but moved here as a child after his

father was headhunted by Ebbw Vale. They saw him play for Tonga while on

tour, and they were impressed. He fell in love with his adopted

country and put the inside family over. He was soon joined in the

valleys by their relatives. Toby and his cousins played junior rugby for

Wales. In their teens, they switched allegiance to England. For Toby,

though, it was only ever about the three feathers. The Tongan team

arrived this week fresh from the physical bust up with the French.

Two thirds of them play in France or England, so they are more than

familiar with northern hemisphere styles and conditions, and they

fancy their chances of an upset. But beat is the number-1 here, so there

are a lot of injuries, it could be a good opportunity for us to sneak in

and win. This is the big moment for players, not to -- not individuals,

but the team. It is the moment you live for. It is not often you get to

live -- you get to play in a great stadium with great players. It is

all about pride and passion, but going out to win. We have always

played PlayStation games like the millennium Stadium, you dream of

playing in a stadium like this, it is a massive occasion.

The point made clearly, what a huge occasion it is for these guys

wearing Tonga jerseys. The players that could have been playing for

them but have chosen to play elsewhere, Toby Faletau up in the

stadium, and one of the great things about them now, for once, the IRB

has said, clubs have got to release their players on international

occasions, so they can pick from the best players available.

They come from far and wide, Australia, New Zealand, Japan,

France, England, and Elvis is in the house to night, Elvis Taione. Yes,

the last thing you want is second or third rate players, it is all about

the national team. Talking about full strength, have we mentioned how

big they are? They have got a guy on the bench, uptight follower, 140

kilograms. Colossal. They are big, but also quick, this try against

Scotland, a winning score. Last week, against France, for an hour,

that game was in the balance. They frightened the French are a lot more

than you might have imagined. We have heard from Warren Gatland, it

is worth mentioning there were a feudalistic of last week, but let's

hear from the Tongan coach. Welcome to Wales and the Millennium

Stadium. You and Warren Gatland have got previous history, playing

against each other, how are you looking forward to pitting your wits

as a coach? He is somebody I look up to. Coming up against him for the

first time, it is an honour. How will you play tonight? We have got

to look after our discipline. We have played well so far, but our

discipline has led us astray a bit. A couple of barbed comments coming

from the Welsh camp about your discipline, especially tackling.

Will that have any effect on the way you play? We call it a dominant

tackle, that is what they are referring to. It has been something

to focus on. Enjoy your first visit to the Millennium Stadium.

It is a big night for their captain, you played against him. Yes, in 2005

in New Zealand. He will be the heartbeat of the team, he is

physical and uncompromising, and Justin Tipuric will know that he has

been in a game. It is an international fixture, but what you

cannot do is take a step backwards against a side that will be as

physical as this. One of the great things, they have a huge sense of

family, it is the cornerstone of their society, they will back each

other to the help, they will want to hold their discipline into police

play, but when they have an opportunity, they will attack. But

it is in the hit where they will try to shake up Wales. Is an open and

loose game and invitation for Tonga to surprise you? Definitely. They

want to squeeze out the scrums, they do not want a loose and open game,

because we have, second-best against them before. You want a slower paced

game than Wales would normally want against Pacific Islanders are. You

can hear the noise building, we have had the choirs. But now, it is

everybody singing to welcome the Welsh team for the third of these

autumn internationals. A phenomenal atmosphere and a couple of weeks ago

for the match against South Africa, and Wales came off second best, but

it was a much performed -- a much improved performance when they put

40 points on Argentina. Friday night is what Wales do not want to be, a

Friday night fright night, they are looking to avoid an upset. But Tonga

beat Scotland last year, and France in the World Cup. This is a team

that you cannot take lightly. There is Ryan Jones, the Welsh captain.

And here is the reception for the Welsh team on this Friday night at

the millennium Stadium. The third weekend for Wales of the autumn

internationals, 2013. unforgettable moment for him and his

family. As the teams line up for the anthems, enjoy your Friday night

here with us in Cardiff. After which, it will be Jonathan Davies

and Eddie Butler as your commentary team.

# 'E 'otua mafimafi. # Ko homau 'eiki koe.

# Ko koe ko e falala'anga. # Mo e 'ofa ki Tonga.

# 'Afio hifo 'emau lotu. # 'Aia 'oku mau fai ni.

# Mo ke tali homau loto. # 'O malu'i 'a Tupou.

# Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi.

# Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri.

# Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad.

# Dros ryddid gollasant eu gwaed. # Gwlad, gwlad.

# Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad. # Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau.

# O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau #. A rousing reception from the home

crowd for Wales. This is what the visitors say to Wales. If you think

this is a gentle invitation to have a runaround, the Sipi Tau, forget

it! Interestingly, as Tonga form their huddle before they lay down

their challenge, Wales have gone to the far end of the field, and are

going through some routines. Good evening, Jonathan. They are slowly

making their way up to the halfway line to face the Tongans. Wales take

their positions in line wearing grey. Tonga, who normally play in

red, are in white. The only red insight is the hair of Taniela Moa,

Tonga's scrum half. Nili Latu the captain. He was superb against

France. Dan Lydiate is a late replacement in

the back row for Wales. Andrew Coombs has succumbed to his bad

back. Ryan Jones is back at number eight, and back with the captaincy.

Behind the scrum, a first cap for Amos. Just 19 years old, he makes

George North looked like a senior citizen! Tonga come here having

pushed France if not close, then to the limit, in terms of energy

expended. They were brilliant at times behind the scrum. Vainikolo

and hell you will -- and Helu will run and bash all night. Keep an eye

on Jordan Williams, if he comes on. Very promising for Wales. A first

for Mike Fraser here in Cardiff. His second test. He did Georgia, USA.

This could be tastier. James Hook, back wearing number ten for Wales.

He starts the fact -- the third game of the autumn series.

Not a great start, was it? Slipped when he took the ball. Wales

couldn't ask for a better start. A scrum. I think they will want to put

a marker down here, keep it tight. This was where France had a clear

edge last week. Lloyd Williams doesn't have to feed

the scrum. Rhodri Jones wears number three. I

think possession was stolen there. A first touch for Amos, and the

first yards made by the teenager. A penalty to Tonga. I think he went

in there, and he got his hands on the ball. Not a great ball for Lloyd

Williams. They had to go and dig in and get it. The Tongan defenders got

to him. This is Fosita. He plays the Northland in New Zealand. It is 46

years since Keith Jarrett, fresh from Monmouth School, was selected

as the 19-year-old. How Amos, playing for Wales. -- Halim Amos.

Not a great start for the Tongans in a set piece.

Paul James is on the loose-head side. Lloyd Williams will try to

feed the scrum again. The new laws have not had a great impact on

sorting out the difficulties of the Rugby Union scrum. I think the

referees have got to referee a bit stronger, I feel, and everyone has

got to support them. If they give free kicks and yellow cards, so be

it. They've just got to sort it out. This is the view from Mike Fraser.

Eddie Aholelei on the Tongan front row.

Two scrums, one free kick, one penalty. Hit and chase, that's what

he said. Hit and hold, not chasing it. Just pushing, basically, isn't

it? That was a nice kick. This is the

scrum. Very tall men in Luke Charteris and

Ian Evans. I think it was Lloyd Williams who

put the ball down. A great charge. Lloyd Williams last up with the

ball. Please advise, try or no try? The television match official is

Carlo Damasco of Italy. This is the touchdown. I don't think

that's down, do you? That's a great effort. It is too late now. Does he

get it down here? No, I den think that's a try. -- I don't think. Very

clever, Ryan Jones, through the middle. That is great play. Straight

through the middle. If it just goes upwards, Ryan Jones catches it. The

ball is in the air, and he is never getting that down. Held up? No try?

No try. Good work by Ryan Jones, though.

Justin Tipuric in the blue cap, on the side of the scrum.

Well held up by Tonga. I don't think George North particularly wanted

that ball. It was a proper standing start. He had no chance. Tonga did

exceptionally well. Moa has put a fantastic tackling stint in the last

couple of minutes. Wales have the chance to attack the Tongans scrum

close to the visitors' goal-line. Ken Owens will be helping Paul James

on the side by the referee. Sila Puafisi will be feeling the full

weight. It is a big test for the Tongan forwards. Second rows, locker

IIe and Tu'ineau. -- Lokotui. Tonga, thanks to their barging

centre, missed a penalty and can clear the line.

That was a great drive. He's not going anywhere, is he? Just one

direction, straight for James Hook. Gets over the gain-line. He plays

his rugby in France. His team were promoted this season.

Luke Charteris did his best to hold the Tongans up, and he did well.

Eight minutes gone, and it is really scrappy at the moment. There's no

pattern developing. It is literally the armrest so. It is all about who

gets the better grip. Wales, on this occasion. I think, very early, you

can see there's no real Tongan defensive players in the rucks. They

are all spread. Adam Jones watching the game. When asked if you was

going to France he said, I'm too old! No one is interested in me! I

think they are, Adam. There is an inviting side on the far

area of the field. Lloyd Williams had a look at that.

Great angle by Owain Williams, but what a tackle! Ma'afu just got to

him. Straightaway, from the first run, I think it was from Ryan

Jones. It is a good run by Ryan Jones, but

Luke Charteris just got in the way of the stand-off, an overlap from

the very quick ball. He has had a very good start to the game.

We are both going in. Have patience, wait for the call. Bring it up.

We could be here for some time. All of those new instructions and

protocols, the scrum is still a horrible part of the game. Just

yellow card them get it going. Penalty against Tonga. Number three.

Leigh Halfpenny steps forward. Is this in range? Going for the

corner? It is in range, but Wales have gone there.

He wanted more links, James Hook. You should be looking for the five

metre line. An excellent tackle by the Tongan

centre pairing. Wales get the penalty. They created the overlap on

the outside. James Hook threw the ball to Owen Williams. Leigh

Halfpenny was there. Altogether easier for Leigh

Halfpenny. First points available for Leigh

Halfpenny. Owen Williams scores for Wales. That

is a great try. James Hook got absolutely smashed.

We want to review the potential late hit by a white player. It is a

definite late hit. I will have a look. James Hook ran straight to

number six, and got absolutely levelled. We spoke before the game,

keep your elbow up, so he cops one on the top of the head. Mike Fraser

has asked for a review. The choice towns, whatever happens. What's

James Hook taken late? Yes. It is not the view of the TM Odette. I am

telling you, I have seen it. No use of the arms, as well. Is that

a yellow card? I think it is. Just watch. It is late. They talked about

dominant tackles, but that is plain late.

Have we had a decision? I am not sure. I do not think he has given

anything. A great kick. The conversion is

good. The tackle was good, according to Carlo Damasco, no further

sanction against the Tongan. That is all James Hook has got to do, take

that man out, then there is the overlap. He straightens up, then

watch, a lovely break by Leigh Halfpenny, and a great finish,

fantastic. It is all about straightening up and using the

numbers. It is not often that Tonga kick the

ball. Penalty, advantage was being played.

Lloyd Williams penalised. I think it was obstruction. It is only his

second test match. They are committing a lot of men to

the ruck. They have to keep driving forward. A game, Paul James.

Just the scrum. It is a brilliant tackle. Ken Owens and Rhodri Jones.

A good defensive stint, the Tongans kept on coming.

Richard Hibbard has set a new standing from the hooker position.

Ken Owens trying to chase him down hard. If we run it on here, just

watch. Instead of giving it to the sky, he should have gone out wide to

Leigh Halfpenny, and he was clear. Plenty of room on either side of the

scrum for Tonga to attack, if they can survive the scrummage.

Taniela Moa went in the sin bin against France for a little use of

the elbow. I am happy with the distance, let's

go. That was good defence by the Welsh.

They quick ball, they help their ground.

Good play. Contact without the ball? Yes, maybe slightly. He might say

that. Doesn't have to shift his ground just because of the Tongans

coming his way. Helu has done it again. Knocks on.

He's not having a great couple of minutes, is he? That is an easy

takes, isn't it? 23 minutes gone, and it is very

flat. There's no pattern. No one is dominating. The scrums are very

slow. I think they've got to just pick the tempo up a little bit, have

a bit of urgency. It would help if they could get the ball away quickly

from the scrums. How long is this scrum taking?

James Hook is very dangerous in open play.

Great finish for Ashley Beck! They will review it, but that should be

an outstanding try. I just want to check the touchline

here, please, and advise try or no try.

Great feet, wasn't it? Lets see if it is in touch. There is only one

man in the corner, the assistant refs. That is a brilliant finish. In

and out, stands him up. That is a great try. Outstanding. An

outstanding finish by Ashley Beck. You may award the try. Was that a

bit more urgency? A try apiece for the Welsh centres. This was the

initial break. He comes onto the line, pulls him on to him, Ashley

Beck, and then just freeze him through the hole. Very good play by

George North, doesn't panic, holds onto the ball. A lovely pass by

James Hook. This is all about the finish. Bang, bang, in and out.

Fantastic finish. Taione couldn't quite make the tackle.

He keeps on doing it, no matter where he is on the field. Leigh

Halfpenny, straight and true. It is a great inside ball. Ashley Beck

involved right at the start with an inside flick to George North. Just

watch this. Bang, bang, in and out. Great finish, good balance.

Tremendous finish. A slight change. Dan Lydiate in the

22. They are very slow in shuffling, the Tongans, defensively.

This is the regular pattern, James Hook down the middle.

Good play by the Tongans. How did that ball get into the touch, the

referee might be asking? Legally. Just watch this break. Just watch,

this guy, charging onto the line, which allows the hole for the

forward. That is great play. That is when the initial break was made.

They pulled someone out of the line. There was a forward their too slow

to cover the whole. Great break. I think the young backs have played

very well so far. Not much room on that line side. Tonga have the

throw. Attention to Hemani Paea. She looks

happy! They are not going to get much ball

from the set piece, are they? Wherever they are, they've got to

secure possession. Skipper, I will not reward you for numbers if you

are going to be that late to form up. You've got to be quicker.

Good runs by the -- book run by the Tongans.

There was no real reason to drop the ball. They have just made some very

simple handling errors. Just slightly behind him, maybe.

I think Wales will be happy. There is not much flow or pattern to the

game, but Wales have been very, very clinical. Two opportunities, two

tries. With ten minutes to go, I think they will be quite happy. Toby

Faletau how. A little bit of him will be supporting the old country.

Not much. He's probably on a bonus! There's a lot of Luke Charteris to

get into a ruck, so if you gets his angle wrong to begin with, and he is

trying to drag somebody out sideways... The defence for the tall

man of the game! He is one of the tallest.

Tonga have gone long at the line-out, and it has been a

struggle. A great build-up from the set piece.

Clinical finish. They are back in the game. That is what they can do.

Given the opportunity, they are great broken field runners.

Will Helu for Tonga. He has dropped the ball couple of times, but that's

made up for it! That's a great off-load, isn't it? Fantastic

off-load. What an angle that was. Viliami

Ma'afu to Will Helu. Conversion by Latiume Fosita.

Not quite right there for Wales again. The ball was overthrown at

the line-out, and from that moment, everything was out of sync. The ball

comes across here. Run it on. They've got plenty of numbers there,

but just watch the angle of this guy there. Run on. He goes in, and the

angle beats them all. This is Hallam Amos. He is receiving

attention. Here is an interesting one. Gareth Jenkins, former Welsh

coach, currently in charge of development at the unearthly

Scarlet. -- at the Scarlets. To him will go something called a

presidential cap, harking back to the days when caps were not awarded

to players. Josh Lucie there as well. World Cup winner with England.

It is a nice little gesture to players who played international

rugby and didn't win a cap. They give caps away willy-nilly

nowadays! They deserved a cap. To get 30 caps for Tonga is a

lifetime's career. Wales are up there in the hundreds for Gethin

Jenkins. Tonga simply do not play as much international rugby.

Amos try to stay away from the touchline. Helu pushed him over it.

Amos needs to run with a bit more conviction.

A knock-on by Moa. Little bit too slow. He can moan as much as he

wants, you have got to get that away. I think Moa has put himself

about, hasn't he? Lloyd Williams checks the whereabouts of the Welsh

three quarters line. Hallam Amos is underneath us.

Bad ball. Set piece is a little bit untidy. Wales have got to pick the

pace up now. They have got to commit the Tongan forwards into making some

tackles. Ken Owens twisted and turned away

from Latu. They have got to go straight first.

They are going to lateral. Rhodri Jones a little bit too deep. They

have good defensive line speed. That is a penalty. He is just isolated.

Holding on. Look how deep he is. They have sprinted up the defensive

line speed. He is isolated. His own players have got to go back round

the gain line to get to him. The clock has gone red. The players will

follow the ball towards the tunnel. Wales are in the lead 17-7. They

have got to pick the tempo up. They have got to commit some of the

Tongan forwards then go wide. They will go for the big hits, they have

a condensed defence. Wales need to play more aggressively and more

direct before going wide. It has been an interesting 40

minutes. Leigh Halfpenny the first on the scoreboard. The first try

came from Williams. He outsprinted the Tongan defence. Then the second

try, Ashley Beck's footwork was tremendous. But the Tongans have not

given up, and Helu, narrowed the margin so at half-time it is 17 -

seven. 54%, 46%. The Tongans have basically had half of the game, but

they have made some errors. Wales deservedly in front. But perhaps a

narrower margin, Martin? They will be relatively happy. They will be

fitter than the Tongan side in the second half. There won't be too

disappointed. You said, getting the first try was important, talk us

through that? It started a bit slow before that. But from deep inside

their own half. James Hook attacking the line. Williams, he held it, held

it. I wondered if they would be enough depth. It is a lovely finish.

He ran heads up the whole way. We saw it later on when George North

got the opportunity. It was a very mature looking try. The Welsh back

division is an interesting mix of the very seasons professionals of

Leigh Halfpenny and North also some raw talent? The second try was all

about Ashley Beck. He knows he is going to get hit, so this is brave.

They recycle the ball. A great ball by James Hook. That sets it up, that

inside ball. How often do you see a window getting a touch five yards

from the line. A step in and out on a sixpence in the corner. You could

not see it with the naked eye, you had to see the TMO. The Welsh

defence, especially the guys who are raw when it comes to international,

a lot of physical tackling that has to be made and if you don't hit the

Tongans early, they can run through you? They have gone very direct and

very narrow. This is a fantastic line. Helu made a great line. He

picked that line from 15 yards before he picked up the ball. If

kids are watching, hold your depth, you can see everything. It is the

first line-out the Tongans have won all game. It shows how dangerous

they are if they win the set piece. James Hook, the Number ten jersey is

a debate at the moment. What has James Hook done to advance his

cause? He has played well. The more open the game is, the more broken

operators, that is when James Hook comes into his own. He has fantastic

footwork. We are so lucky in Wales at the moment we have three

fantastic Number ten 's. Dan Biggar is a more structured outside half.

Defensively very solid. It is a big decision next week. James Hook goes

back to France. At some point next week, we were talking about scrums.

A lot of players are frustrated. But the scrums are taking an eternity

tonight. You have to get into the scrum. You have to get ready early,

make the call quickly. You have to get the scrum-half to put it in. I

love scrummaging. But not wasting 60 seconds to set the scrum in the

first place. It kills the momentum of the game? They got it right at

the start. I do like the law changes, it makes sense. As the

players have got used to it, they are testing each other as to exactly

what it is happening. It is horrible to watch. Let's talk about rug the

in general, but this weekend is a huge weekend for both codes of the

sport. -- rugby.

After that match, there is the second semifinal which is between

Australia and Fiji. That is at 3pm and you can follow that on BBC Radio

five live will stop and on Sunday, highlights both semifinals on at

4pm. International is all the way on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There

is a Friday night game in the RBS Six Nations next spring. That is a

date for your diary. We will talk more about what is happening in the

world of rugby at the moment. November the 22nd is a huge day for

English rug B. 1972, the North West counties beat the All Blacks.

English rugby runs the risk of being marginalised after what happened in

Dublin, the meeting that took lace involving the five European nations

who did not effectively invite the RFU to the discussion. As a

consequence, the English teams could be out of the Heineken cup next

year? They could be. We are seeing a huge amount of bluster and a lot of

rubbish being spoken. I still see it from looking from afar, there will

be a compromise and there probably will be legal action. The fact of

the RFU not being invited, some of the other countries, their teams

will play in the championship, or so they say. A lot is up in the air.

But the ultimate case of brinkmanship, I am not sure. We are

losing all of our best players as it is. Regions are not in a position to

offer contracts because they are not sure of the financial situation next

year. If a compromise is not reached soon, the Welsh regions could be in

a dark place. What is the worst case scenario? Are we on the point of

having something that could split the game? I don't know if it is that

black and White. I don't know if it is the unions against the clubs

across the board. I think it could put huge pressure on some other

countries. Scotland and Wales, not in turning up to the matches to make

it financially viable. It is dependent on the money coming from

television. Any other countries, it is a commercial reality. But it is a

huge panic level to the doubts, it puts doubt into the minds of the

commercial sponsors. Do they want to be involved? What are they

sponsoring? Do they want to be associated with a breakaway which

only has a third of the teams? The last thing I want to see next year

is two competitions. It's some clubs break away, it would be a disaster.

The product as it is is fantastic. I agree with automatic qualification.

Who is the peace broker here? Up to yesterday, I would have said Ian

itchy of the RFU. He has been calm. But if he has been pushed out of the

system... That is to be continued. Meanwhile, this is what you have got

to look forward to over the next 48 hours.

There is confirmation of what we've got for you tomorrow. If you are

going to the game at Murrayfield, wrap up warm. It is freezing at the

moment. It has been a very interesting lot

of Autumn Internationals. What do Wales do now? I think they are one

pass away from breaking the line. They are getting turned over a

little bit more. Nili Latu, even the scrum-halves of been in there. Wales

just need to keep the ball a little bit more. There are various ways to

contact us. The first 40 minutes, lots of physicality. And some great

bits of individual skill. That was a fantastic try. And some great

kicking from Leigh Halfpenny, which is kind of standard. The Tongans

always talk about being a band of brothers there. Culturally united.

And for all the young players playing for Wales for the first

time, and for their season campaign as well. Building up to the last

game of these Autumn Internationals against Australia next Saturday.

That's go back to our commentary team.

No changes in the ranks - yet. The direction of the goods have

favoured is straight down the middle. The Chase has got to be good

then. That looked like a rip by hook. --

Hook. Tonga are man short. I think one of

the forward has dislocated their finger or something. Tonga are down

to 14 at the moment, and they survive with just 14. There is a man

on the near touchline. Do we need time off? I don't know what has

happened. His wrist. Ma'afu. Ripped by James Hook. That was a good

steel. Rhodri Jones was in the stand-off position. That ball had to

go. Have we got a sub lined up for number eight? That is more than a

dislocated finger. That looks more wrist and forearm.

Opeti Fonua, who plays down in Mike Phillips' country.

The years. -- there hears. A good finish for Owen Williams. You expect

a lot from this kid in the Cardiff Blues. That is a great finish from

Ashley Beck. This is a big scrum now for Tonga. A fantastic opportunity

for Wales. Fonua did exceptionally well there,

because the scrum was under pressure. Wales can apply pressure

on the Tongans throw here. There was a little wriggle from Dan Lydiate at

the bottom of the ruck. Another one who plies his trade in

France, Moa. Justin Tipuric is not the heaviest

of the yard makers. They are just getting at the scrum-half, aren't

they? Stopping the flow of the ball. Lilo caught it but couldn't make the

mark. An interesting decision. Got to go

to corner, hasn't he? This is definitely in halfpenny's range, or

even Hook's range as well. Siale Piutau, whose brother plays

for the All Blacks. Justin Tipuric will be interested in what happens

now. It is important for Wales to score first. If the Tongans score

first, their tails will be up. The Tongans beat France at the last

World Cup. They have beaten Scotland recently, last season.

I think someone has been sparked out here. And Hallam Amos. Has he scored

on his first game for Wales? If that is a try, that is a great finish. It

is a lovely ball by Halfpenny, and a tremendous finish by Hallam Amos.

From his reaction, I think he thinks he has scored. Might they check the

pass for a forward pass to him? No. Foot in touch, unfortunately. I

think he's dragging foot is in touch.

I think he has got to look at the angle of the other one. I think he

is in touch. Very unlucky for Hallam Amos. There is in a metre of

daylight between his heel... I think that is in touch.

You never know. We have seen some dodgy decisions in the past! Let's

see if we have a dodgy one today! The decision - foot in touch,

line-out white. No dreams for Hallam Amos! In touch. Serious injury over

here. While that has been going on, we will go back to this injury.

Just watch this now. He goes in, a clash of heads. Then he hits his

head on the floor. Then a hand goes in his face. He is knocked out as

soon as there is a clash of heads. Fair play to Tipuric. He knew

straightaway there was an injury there, and he called the referee's

attention. CNA Kalamafoni, the flanker, I think. With all the

attention being on concussion and the need to monitor any banks to the

head closely, this may take some time. It has been a very physical

game. I think Ryan Jones has been outstanding. A good tackle

alongside. Tremendous hit. I can't remember all this tackling

going on when I was playing, to be honest!

A great ball forward, but a great pass. A fantastic tackle. That is

the reaction of Hallam Amos when told that he hadn't scored.

The Welsh replacements, Jordan Williams on the far right, a very

promising fullback. Samson Lee, another prospect. Ryan Bevington, he

can run! It is a good sign for the injured Tongan player. He is setup.

-- he is fat up. He saw straightaway that he was

injured, and drew the referee's attention. Just watch. There hears.

They looked after him. They turned him on his side. That's well done.

That is not the most gentle way to do it, but they certainly saw he was

injured and rolled him on his side. In the rough and tumble of a game of

rugby, they always look out for each other. It is a very chatty place

now! No score in this second half. A lot

of interruptions in this game. A long stoppage now. He's got to go

off, hasn't he? You would think so. For further monitoring.

It is amazing the level of contact we are seeing. So many players are

getting their heads on the wrong side to make the tackle. Getting

their heads bashed by the leading knee. Any young rugby player

watching this, remember your tackling technique is very

important. Get your head on the right side. If you don't, you will

get a nasty bang on the head, and we do not want to see that. Even if you

are wearing a scrum. Tonga using a two replacement.

Wales have got to dominate the pace of the game. Pick and drive. I think

the ball has been very poor from the rucks. Just got to clear beyond the

ball. Not planting the ball well. Dan Lydiate takes it up. Luke

Charteris, who began this with the line-out win. Wales change the

direction. Could not find Hallam Amos. So slight frustration for

Wales. Create the overlap. Ashley Beck comes in. He had more time than

he thought. Vainikolo came in quickly and then stood off him.

Taione with the throw. I don't think presentation is very

good, do you? Lloyd Williams. Leigh Halfpenny went the Long Way

round and then goes to ground! No one committed to the ruck. But

pass. -- good pass. Vainikolo was safely back. I still

think they have got to go forward and carry the ball a bit more, they

are very lateral, aren't they? Off you go.

Evans making his way back over to his position. He has had a lot of

trouble with his Achilles. Nastier. Bad place to hurt yourself playing

rugby. I thought that was going to be a clash.

Changes in the front while. Taione Vea coming on. Not on yet. And also,

Samisoni Fisilau. Off goes Eddie Aholelei. Only 11 minutes gone of

this second half. It feels like two weeks! We have Taione Vea as a

hooker and a Taione on as a replacement. Wales with a few hits.

So far, Ryan Jones has been the standout player.

To veto my loud on against Rhodri Jones. -- Mailau.

Positioning territory will be all Wales in the second half, but they

have not done anything with the ball.

Rebound, one against the head. Wales with a belated drive. New scrum-half

the Tonga, this law. -- fists allow. Ken Owens finds Luke Charteris. This

could go a long way. No idea where the ball is. Holding

on. After all of the hard work, Tonga are awarded the penalty. You

were in control, it fell apart. Wales have had all of the territory

and nothing to show for it. Play on. Spilt White Taione Vea. I

don't understand that tactic. If they do that against New Zealand

they will be cut to ribbons, and against Australia. He is persisting

with it. Paul James tries to keep Tonga off

the ground. Penalty to Wales. Tap and go, let's

go. They cannot hear you, Jonathan. Down towards the 22. Stay awake,

stay with me. Keep nudging me. Holding on. Holding on after the

tackle. Ryan Jones looks to be carrying an injury. James Hook goes

for the corner. I think James Hook has got to aim for the five metre

mark, hasn't he? He isn't happy with that kick. It is so much easier for

the forwards to catch and drive right on the five metre line. Jonny

Wilkinson is brilliant at that. Scrappy ball again and Tonga come

away with it. They have knocked it on both. The Welsh players are

getting frustrated. All throwing their arms in the air. They do have

the put-in. The back line stretches again across the field. George

North, right behind it James Hook. Right wing, behind outside.

I like it close, but that is real close. Hit and hold.

What an interception by Taione. The high tackle has been penalised. I

think this is a high tackle. A lovely, lovely break. A high tackle,

on the collar. The try scoring pass just gets intercepted. This time it

is a five metre line-out. That is a good intercept as well.

What an opportunity for Luke Charteris. A moment of glory. He has

done exceptionally well in the second half. Just dropped it. He

will know he should have scored here. The ball just gets dislodged

in the tackle. Lokotui with the important arm. Just got to him,

didn't he? It was a loose carry, wasn't it, by Charteris? Otherwise,

he was over. Close call for Hallam Amos. Close call for Luke Charteris.

That was an absolute great kick from there!

A change of focus for Tonga. Taione goes off.

What did for Wales last time was the fragmentation of that small.

They have really, really disrupted... A Welsh penalty.

Taufalele comes on and immediately gives away a penalty. Not quite as

dramatic as when Oosthuizen came on and was sinned in the very first

scrum! They are holding the ball up, aren't

they? Good defensive work by Tonga again. Wales slipped by the

defenders. -- Wales split. Have we had more scrums than usual?

Each one has been a torture, I know! Less than 15 minutes to go,

Jonathan. This is the captain, who has been on

and worked nonstop. No score in the second half. It has

been... Dire! Oh, dear. Got to keep everything

going now. There's Dave Ellis, in front of Mana

Otai, the Tongan coach. A bit of pushing and pulling. Plus

ten metres. Cheer us up with something. Wales

are changing the whole of the front row. Ryan Bevington and Samson Lee

ready to come on. And it looks like Rhys Priestland is going to come in.

A new front row and a new fly-half. Let's see what that can do. The men

in grey. Samson Lee with the black scrum cap. Ryan Bevington with the

white headband. And Emyr Phillips comes on.

It should add a bit of spark to the game, a change of front row. Rhodri

Williams is going to come on. He is being held back. He will not get his

first cap just yet. An exciting talent he is, Rhodri Williams.

Try, going to be! They will look for the block. George North scored

there. Carlo, can we please check number four grey, for obstruction.

Having a little look at Luke Charteris. He has run a block for

George North. That is the call. We should be able to see it. It is a

big block. The presentation by Ryan Jones.

I don't think that is intentional, but it is a block. Do you think? Is

he just part of the ruck? It is very difficult. Carlo, I am happy with

that. I have number for Wales in front of the ball offside. Nili

Latu, was he going to make the tackle? Key is the one who was

blocked. I think the referee is going to call an offside up

structure. -- offside obstruction. No try. We have had three referrals

to the TMO. Lloyd Williams goes off. And on comes Rhodri Williams of the

Scarlets, for his first cap. Very sharp. Ian Evans goes off as well.

Alun-Wyn Jones comes on. Experience now. Alun-Wyn Jones is on too. A new

cap, and Alun-Wyn Jones, who has a lot more than that.

Leigh Halfpenny made ground, up to the ten metre line.

Ryan Bevington. This time it is Rhodri Williams who got caught and

turned over. The Tongans go beyond the forward

the tackles, don't they? I think they need to take the ball closer,

and they are not holding defenders at a moment.

Change the Tonga. However Noah is on.

Hallam Amos skips away from one tackle. His finally brought down on

the 22. Penalty for the high tackle. He did

not miss him did he? We will go back to the penalty.

I don't think it is high, that is a good tackle.

Tongan players are now being left on the ground after the tackle. They

have put a big defensive stint in. Joe Tu'ineau now. I don't think that

is high. It is a great hit. George North doesn't think it is because he

keeps on running. What do Wales do here? Do Vicky going for the corner?

Priestland is looking for his face in the crowd to aim at. -- do they

keep going. You have got to try and target and hit the five metre line.

46,500. They could do with something to raise their spirits.

Very aggressive at the breakdown. Wales will have to settle for the

scrum. They have made a mess of that Wales. They have got to go beyond

the ball and clear out. They are not presenting it well. No score in this

second half. It has been a long second half. Yes! Wales have this

attacking opportunity. George North, as usual, is in the heart of the

three quarters line. The scrum has got to be solid first and foremost.

They have struggled. If anything, the Tongan scrum have caused them

problems with the drive. But there is Halfpenny and Priestland. Too

close, yes. Too close. Don't chase it.

Great tackle by Latu. He had to make that. Wales win another penalty.

Quickly taken by Rhodri Williams. Got to go wide now. Tonga do not let

them. Tonga have the put-in. Jonathan, in this game, quite

difficult, your man of the match? Man of the match? Right, my man of

the match, Ryan Jones had a big first half, Hallam Amos had a big

second half. I think for me, my man of the match is Luke Charteris.

Apikotoa is on. Just because the match is bad, you don't have to give

it to an unknown player, George Amos! George Amos plays golf with

me. Luke Charteris, man of the match. There is such a player.

Even at this late stage, we don't even get a scrum to go down now. I

can't wait for the boys in the studio to make something of this

game. The highlights of this second half will not take long. This is

Apikotoa. Just a couple of minutes left. No injuries, that is important

for Wales with Australia coming up. There he goes again, Opeti Fonua.

Last chance for Wales if they can get into the corner. One last

line-out. Quickly taken by what -- Rodney Williams.

Suddenly Wales, through Ryan Bebington, are on the move again.

Final pass goes astray. We are in the red zone. How merciful will the

referee B, M Fraser? He has called the scrummage... No he hasn't, the

game is over. It has been put out of its misery. Man of the match, Luke

Charteris. But a scoreless second half at the Millennium Stadium. Not

a great performance by Wales. Results is more important. No

injuries, which is important with Australia coming up. Both countries

do three matches in the autumn, Wales have one extra, Australia next

Saturday. Tabs they have half a mind on that? The chance for a big scalp.

Captain, Ryan Jones, has led Wales to victory. Ashley Beck, try

scorer. Owen Williams, scored the other one. All the points came in

the first half. So it is good night from us appear. Man of the match, no

such thing as a bad when, but how frustrating was it? It was pretty

ugly. Coming into this game, we knew how tough it would be. We were not

clinical enough. They kept putting us under pressure. We got the win,

which is nice. The things to work on. Shame about the try, want to

tell the grandchildren? Never mind. Well done in getting man of the

match. Thank you very much. Wales had 90% territory in the

second half and did not score, which means? They will be disappointed.

Credit to Tonga, their defence was outstanding. Very difficult to get a

clean ball for the Welsh scrum-halves, but they will have to

improve why next week. If you look at Luke Charteris' eyes, he looked

wrecked. Tonga threw everything into their defence. They did not play

that well, but you could absolutely see they were beaten up by the end

of the game. They got out of it with no injury, which is fantastic. If

there is one aspect of the game that would be their Achilles heel, what

would it be? Presentation and the Tongans were very physical. The

scrum-halves were getting caught with the ball in hand. They were

causing a lot of problems. The one area they need to work on. I thought

Wales with deep and standing taking the ball. It is hard to beat a

defender because the Tongans were not pushing up on the line. Friday

night in Cardiff, Saturday at Murrayfield, Sunday in Dublin for

Ireland against the All Blacks. But that will be better in the second

half. Thanks for watching and enjoyed the rest of your weekend.

Goodbye. # I walked across an empty land.

# I knew the pathway like the back of my hand.

# And if you have a minute, talk about Somewhere Only We Know.