Tonga cops cruel blow as Stefano Utoikamanu's debut ends in concussion after just two minutes
It was supposed to be a fiery debut game against his former team, Samoa, for Stefano Utoikamanu. Instead, his time on the field for Tonga came to an end after two minutes.
The passion of the game was evident as soon as both teams stepped out to perform their respective war dances, with the crowd roaring in support of their nations.
That noise did not stop when the first whistle sounded, nor did it lower when Francis Molo was placed on report for a high shot that left Utoikamanu wobbly.
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Utoikamanu took the first hit-up against Izack Tago before Molo joined the tackle to ensure his former teammate would not make any more ground.
In the process, Molo's shoulder made contact with Utoikamanu, forcing him to the turf.
"It was an accidental headclash [with Tago] ... so he has to go for a HIA," Cameron Smith said on Nine.
Francis Molo's hit on Stefano Utoikamanu. Nine
The Storm prop was immediately informed that he would be heading from the field for a head injury assessment. It was later confirmed to be a category one concussion ruling.
"That is a big blow for Kristian Woolf's team," Nine caller Peter Psaltis said.
The ruling means Utoikamanu will not be available for Tonga's round three clash against New Zealand next week.
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Samoa made the most of Utoikamanu's absence on the field, needing just five minutes to find an opportunity to send Tago over in the corner.
Murray Taulagui made a break and stepped two defenders before sending the ball over to Blaize Talagi, who looked to the corner and sent a perfect ball into Tago to score.
"Bit of backyard footy, razzle dazzle," Johnathan Thurston said on Nine.
An error in the scrum by Isaiya Katoa saw Samoa gifted a penalty close to the posts, with Talagi nailing the kick to put his side ahead, 6-0.
Jeremiah Nanai extended Samoa's lead to 12-0 in the 28th minute.
