Pool A/Tonga 25 USA 15:Tonga humbled the United States in their opening World Cup match yesterday to effectively knock the Americans out of the competition.
In front of a crowd of 25,000 at Mosson stadium, Montpellier, the Eagles failed to repeat their inspired performance against England as their second game in four days took its toll on a hot afternoon.
Tonga, who qualified for the tournament by winning one of the two repêchage places, led 13-0 after an early try by their giant number eight Finau Maka but needed two late scores from wing Joseph Vaka and replacement Viliami Vaki to seal the victory.
The USA pulled to within three points when loosehead prop Mike MacDonald and blindside flanker Louis Stanfill scored in the second half. But Tonga immediately hit back on both occasions to record their first win at the World Cup since 1999.
TONGA: Lilo; Tu'ifua, Hufanga, Taione, Vaka; Hola, Havea; S Tonga'uiha, Lutui, Pulu; Fa'aoso, Hehea; T-Pole, Latu, Maka. Replacements: Tuipulotu for Havea (40), Havili for Vaka (60), Vaki for Latu, Filipine for Maka (both 65), Toke for S Tonga'uiha (66), Tupou for Taione (72), Taukafa for Lutui (76).
USA: Wyles; Sika, Tuipulotu, Esikia, Ngwenya; Hercus, Erskine; MacDonald, Lentz, Osentowski; Parker, Mangan; Stanfill, Clever, Bloomfield. Replacements: Burdette for Lentz (49), Moeakiola for MacDonald (54), Basauri for Bloomfield (55), Eloff for Esikia (60).
Referee: S Dickinson (Australia).
