Rugby: Tonga’s hopes still alive

WHANGAREI:

Tonga beat Japan 31-18 in an open, entertaining and error-ridden clash in the Rugby World Cup.

The victory meant that Tonga’s slim hopes of reaching the rugby World Cup quarter-finals for the first time are still alive.

Both sides ran in three tries but it was the kicking of fly-half Kurt Morath that proved the difference. Despite a lack of discipline and poor decision-making in the team, Morath’s 16 points with the boot ultimately helped overcome the Pacific Nations champions.

Tonga must now beat France in their final game with a bonus point and hope the Europeans lose to New Zealand heavily on Saturday to have any chance of reaching the last-eight.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 22^nd,  2011.