There was jubilation in Tonga as the 'Ikale Tahi with 13 men holding their lead in the last five minutes, beat the Manu Samoa, 19-15 in the Rugby World Cup match at Stade de la Mosson, Montpellier, early this morning, September 17 Tongan time.

Before dawn and before the church bells started ringing, Tongans in their villages were woken by cheers and whistling coming from crowds of rugby viewers, gathered at the few places where there is Sky television reception. Others listened in to the radio.

It was Tonga's second victory in this year's World Cup and the first time ever for Tonga to win two games in a World Cup competition, and the credit goes to the Captain Nili Latu, the players, the coach and the management team.

It was no secret that the 'Ikale Tahi fought each step of the way to get to France and Nili made no bones about it when he told Planet Rugby, "We came from Tonga with empty pockets, but determined to make a point. We have got two big games coming up and that is going to test us."

The Tongans will play South Africa on September 22 and England six days later.

Second place, ahead of England

After last night the 'Ikale Tahi is in second place in Pool A, with the Springboks at the top with nine point, 'Ikale Tahi in second place with eight points, followed by England with four points, the USA Eagles with zero, and the Manu Samoa with one point.

The 'Ikale Tahi's 19 points came from four penalty conversions by Pierre Hola, and a try by 'Epeli Taione and converted by Pierre. 'Epeli scored the only try of the match. The Manu Samoa's 15 points came from five penalty conversions.

The 'Ikale Tahi despite their passion to play were heavily dealt with by the referee. 'Epeli and Toma Toke were yellow-carded and Hale T. Pole was red-carded, the first to any player in this year's World Cup.

The 'Ikale Tahi team: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Tevita Tu'ifua, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Epeli Taione, 11 Joseph Vaka, 10 Pierre Hola, 9 Enele Taufa, 8 Finau Maka, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Hale T Pole, 5 Paino Hehea, 4 Inoke Afeaki, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Ephraim Taukafa, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.

Replacements: 16 Aleki Lutui, 17 Toma Toke, 18 Viliami Vaki, 19 'Emosi Kauhenga, 20 Sione Tu'ipulotu, 21 Isileli Tupou, 22 Hudson Tonga'uiha.