Tonga's rugby union team pass endurance test as Tongans sing hymns for a successful world cup

The Tongan national rugby union team, the 'Ikale Tahi, attended a choral-fest on Sunday in Nuku'alofa. The eleven choirs present sang twelve items. Prayers were offered and there were speeches but the Catholic Bishop Soane Patita injected some much-needed common sense by reminding the congregation that other countries are also praying for their rugby teams. It was a time for contemplation and meditation for the players that also tested their power to endure as they sat patiently for the length of two rugby games. The Prime Minister was there. The leader of the opposition was there. As was Rev. Tevita Latailakepa, the new chairman of the Tonga Rugby Union Authority. The TRUA, under previous chairman Bob Tuckey, had backed head coach 'Isitolo Maka unconditionally in the face of numerous calls for his dismissal following a long string of losses by the national side. Maka's position would probably have been untenable under any other administration. On Saturday the public donated over T$50,000 towards the team. A few hours earlier, also in Nuku'alofa, a woman and a man fled from a vehicle that was transporting money from the airport as armed men fired shots and tried unsuccessfully to steal the cash. The $100,000 that was stolen more than a year ago from the Tonga Development Bank has still not been found despite a $20,000 reward for its recovery and the identity of the robbers. Tongans are charitable but can also steal. For those of my generation who continue to miss the "morning gibberish" sessions at Rajneesh ashrams; I have actually found a substitute, just listen to Radio Australia's Bruce Hill on Pacific Beat.