Tonga claimed their third-ever win at the Rugby World Cup with a rousing 25-15 victory over the United States in Pool A at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier on Wednesday.
The flamboyant Pacific Islanders threw caution to the wind with an adventurous display to overcome the American Eagles, who caused holders England bother in their opening game before going down 28-10 in Lens last Sunday.
The Tongans exploded out of the blocks with a try in the second minute and wrapped up the contest with two spectacular tries to winger Joseph Vaka and replacement Viliami Vaki in the final quarter in baking heat.
The Tongan Sea Eagles targeted the United States as their best chance of victory in France and ended a sequence of opening losses at their previous four tournaments.
It gives them a terrific lead-up to the much-anticipated match with Pacific rivals Samoa on Sunday.
Tonga bounded away to a rousing start with a try off a 20m rolling maul in the second minute.
The Tongan forwards won a line-out and tousled-haired number eight Finau Maka, who plays rugby with Toulouse, plunged over the line with the ball.
Flyhalf Pierre Hola booted two penalties to kick the Tongans away to a 13-0 lead in the draining afternoon heat, but skipper Mike Hercus kept his American team in sight with a 33rd-minute penalty.
It was a lively opening half with both teams taking their chances and throwing the ball around, punctuated by handling mistakes, but the 24 243 crowd loved it.
Hooker Owen Lentz had a try disallowed by the video referee after a rolling maul minutes after the resumption, but moments later the Eagles got their first try through prop Mike MacDonald.
The Tongans were under great pressure on their line before MacDonald plunged over out wide to leave the Americans trailing 13-8 after 47 minutes.
Just when the American Eagles looked to be getting on top Tonga produced two magical tries.
Skipper Nili Latu broke into the clear on halfway and linked with fullback Vungakoto Lilo, with Vaka finishing it off for a 10-point advantage.
Flanker Louis Stanfill nudged the American Eagles to within three points when he was given a try by the video referee with 13 minutes left.
Stanfill ploughed over under a flurry of Tongan red shirts and after several minutes’ adjudication he was given the try, which Hercus converted.
But replacement Vaki, who plays for Perpignan in France, secured victory with a sizzling break, evading three tackles before diving under the crossbar with 10 minutes left and to restore the Tongans’ 10-point margin. — AFP
