Tonga ends 2015 RWC campaign [1]
Monday, October 12, 2015 - 17:29. Updated on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - 10:07.
New Zealand's All Blacks defeated the ‘Ikale Tahi 47-9 in their final game in front of 54,000 people, ending the Tongans Rugby World Cup campaign and with no immediate qualification for the 2019 RWC in Japan, after placing fourth in Pool C.
The All Blacks and RWC defending champions continue to the quarterfinals.
The 'Ikale Tahi goes home after having only one pool win against Namibia and three loses to Georgia, Argentina and the All Blacks.
'Ikale Tahi's nine points came from the boot of fly-half Kurt Morath who converted three penalties.
Captain Nili Latu said he is proud of the way the boys have finished the tournament.
“I could not have asked any more from my side. Our plan was to attack New Zealand and we believed that we had the upper hand. We thought we controlled them but a quality team bounces back."
The 'Ikale Tahi started well by breaking up the All Blacks defence with some fast passing, forcing a couple of breakdowns and winning a penalty from a scrum.
But the All Blacks had proven their strong force by securing seven tries by Ma’a Nonu who was presented with his 100th cap by Richie McCaw. Other scorers included Ben Smith, Tony Woodcock, Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Cane, while Dan Carter landed six of the conversions.
The All Blacks will meet France on 17 October. While, runner-up in Pool C, Argentina will face Ireland in the third quarterfinals on 18 October.