LILLE – Tonga claim their first victory of Rugby World Cup 2023, a bonus-point 45-24 win over Romania in Pool B.
The Ikale Tahi swept into a 21-3 lead after winger Solomone Kata collected an offload from Salesi Piutau for the opening try, ex-All Blacks centre George Moala went over and winger Afusipa Taumoepeau added a third after Alin Conache’s penalty for Romania.
But the Oaks came back with two tries before the interval from flanker Cristi Boboc and scrum-half Florin Surugiu, the second with Tonga a man down after second-row Halaleva Fifita’s yellow card.
Sione Vailanu’s score extended Tonga’s lead to 11 points on the resumption but Romania again rallied, full-back Marius Simionescu going over before further tries from Pita Ahki, Kata and Kyren Taumoefolau sealed Tonga’s record win at a Rugby World Cup.
George Moala, the Mastercard Player of the Match, said: “The boys dug in deep. I am just really happy, it was a great effort from the boys. A really physical game and we’re really happy to finish with a win.”
Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua admitted the players wanted to get the win for their head coach Toutai Kefu, who is leaving the role.
“It will mean a lot to our players and especially our coach, finishing up after this World Cup, it is his last game” Takula said.
