RUGBY FANS in Tonga were entertained on Friday night, September 9 as they watched the New Zealand All Blacks defeat the 'Ikale Tahi 41-10 in the of the Rugby World Cup at Auckland's Eden Park.

The live telecast of the game on the public broadcaster Television Tonga was a treat for rugby fans in Tonga. At the same time there were public screenings at local Tongan kava drinking clubs, bars and at hotels.

A VIP screening of the match was held by the sponsors who paid for the live broadcast of the All Blacks vs Tonga game on TV Tonga including the NZ High Commissioner, Heineken, ANZ and TCC was attended by over 80 rugby fans.

The New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga HE Dr Jonathan Austin said that it was a great start to what had already been an exciting tournament.

"Of course I'm pleased the All Blacks won but I'm glad the 'Ikale Tahi made us work hard for it - they certainly deserved their try. And now the match with New Zealand is over I can go back to wearing red on Fridays."

Tonga's Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Samiu Vaipulu, who was among the fans, said today that he was very happy with the outcome of 'Ikale Tahi's game on Friday night.

He said this is probably the first time the All Blacks score had not run high as the Tongans kept it standing at 41.

"I am really happy with the performance of the Tongan boys who did well, especially in the second half, and I am confident they will deliver a great game against Canada in their second pool game on Wednesday night," he said.