19-32: Spain defeats Tonga and signs its second consecutive victory against the islanders

The Spanish men’s rugby team XV defeated Tonga this Sunday 19-32 on the second day of the Nations Cup 2026in a match played at the Clarke Stadium in Edmonton (Canada), and achieved their second consecutive victory against the Pacific team.

The match, whose start was delayed due to adverse weather conditions, was marked by Spanish dominance in the static phases and the defensive solidity of The Lionswho neutralized the Tongans’ continuity game to lead to a prestigious victory, reported the Spanish Federation.

Spain took the initiative from the beginning and opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a penalty shot converted by Gonzalo López Bontempo.

Tonga reacted midway through the first half with a try from their captain and scrum-half, Sonatane Takuluawhich culminated an individual action to make it 5-3.

The match took a definitive turn in the 32nd minute, when the Tongan wing Tapueluelu He was sanctioned with a yellow card. With one more player, Spain took advantage so that the second line Antonio Suarez signed a new essay, also transformed by López Bontempowhich allowed Los Leones to go into halftime with a twelve-point lead (5-17).

In the second half, Tonga tried to close the gap through their physical play, but found themselves against a very solid Spanish defense. In the 55th minute, Ignacio Pineiro increased the difference by taking advantage of a loose ball after an action initiated by John Wessel Bell to place 5-22.

The islanders closed the gap with a try from Sekope Moli (12-22), but Mateu sealed the match with a try after recovering a ball in a rival touche and later converting his own score to establish the 12-32.

A test of Filimone In the final moments he left the final score at 19-32.

The match also served as Gabriel’s international debut with the senior team. Velezwho was a starter, as well as Diego Gonzalez and Jeremy Trevithickwho played their first minutes with Los Leones coming off the bench.