Photos by Pesi Fonua

Last night's opening match of the Rugby World Cup at Eden Park was a good start for both the 'Ikale Tahi and the All Blacks because even though the All Blacks dominated the first half and scored four tries, the statistics showed that in the second half Tonga dominated the possession of the ball and the territory.

From Tonga's perspective it showed that the 'Ikale Tahi are capable of changing their game plan because after trailing the All Blacks by 29-3 in the first half, they were able to come back in the second half and scored a try. Alisona Taumalolo's try was converted by Kurt Morath to give Tonga a final score of 10 to the All Blacks 41.

But the All Blacks who scored four tries in the first half, three converted by Carter and one penalty, were unable to double the score, with only two tries in the second half.

It shows that the Tongan team is capable of countering the All Blacks' strength and the way they play.

Even though Tonga lost the match, it was at the same time a good start for Tonga for the rest of the World Cup Tour, and will enable the coach to plan and put players into position for the matches against Canada, France and Japan in Pool A.

The next match for Tonga is against Canada in Whangarei on Wednesday September 14, at 8:00 pm New Zealand time.