Rugby World Cup 2023 - Tonga overcome Romania with seven tries in entertaining pool-stage contest
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Updated 08/10/2023 at 18:26 GMT
It may not have enjoyed the greatest pre-match billing, but Tonga's encounter with Romania proved to be a thrilling contest with points galore at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Ultimately, Romania stayed with their opponents for as long as they could, but they were outfought and overrun in the end as Tonga came out on top with the victory at Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Solomone Kata of Tonga celebrates with Sonatane Takulua of Tonga after scoring his team's first try during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between Tonga and Romania at Stade Pierre Mauroy
Image credit: Getty Images
Tonga ended their Rugby World Cup campaign with an impressive 45-24 victory over Romania, who finish bottom of Pool B.
Both sides lost their first three games against tough opposition in Ireland, South Africa and Scotland, but Tonga were far more competitive in those matches and this form proved true in this match.
Tries from Solomone Kata, George Moala and Afusipa Taumoepeau put three tries on the board before the 23rd minute, but Boboc touched down for Romania and then, after Vaea Fifita was yellow carded, Florin Surugiu narrowed the score to 21-17 at the break.
After the break and Fifita's return, Sione Vailanu scored for Tonga, but a fine try from Marius Simionescu had Romania back in the game.
From this point onwards, it was all Tonga, though, with Pita Akhi getting a deserved try, Kata notching his second and the substitute Kyren Taumoefolau diving over in the corner.
Talking point - Entertaining way to end Pool Stages
This, the penultimate match of the opening round of the World Cup, gave the chance for these sides, after a difficult first three games, to showcase their qualities.
Ultimately Tonga, as expected, proved too strong, too talented and too quick for their opponents. After a 260-minute wait between tries, Romania got on the board, saw veteran Florin Surugiu score a try in his 104th and last test and their third try was a fantastic one giving some much-needed joy to their supporters.
For Tonga though, after showing their toughness in the first three games, to touch down seven times was spiriting and it would be fantastic if they were given the best opportunities to grow ahead of the next tournament.
Player of the match - George Moala (Tonga)
He clearly led all-comers with 160 metres gained and was an indomitable force throughout the match beating opposing defenders on 12 occasions. The former All Black dovetailed perfectly with Salesi Pilatau with each offloading to the other and baffling opposing defenders. Suspension kept him out of the first three games but he made his mark on the tournament on Sunday.
Player ratings
Tonga: Piutau 8, Kata 7, Moala 8*, Ahki 7, Taumoepeau 7, Havili 8, Takulua 7, Vailanu 7, Talitui 7, Paea 7, Coleman 8, Fifita 6, Tameifuna 7, Ngauamo 7, Fisi’ihoi 7.
Replacements: Finau 6, Paea 6, Taumoefolau 8, Anga’aelangi, Latu, Tokolahi, Mafi and Pellegrini (all na/a).
Romania: Simionescu 7, Onutu 7, Manumua 6, Tangimana 6, Sikuea 6, Conache 7, Surugiu 7, Gorin 6, Boboc 7, Neculau 6, Iftimiciuc 6, Motoc 6, Gordas 6, Cojocaru 6, Savin 6.
Replacements: Irimescu 6, Hartig 6, Burtila 6, Rosu 6, Stratila 6, Rupanu 6, Bucur 6, Graure (n/a).
Match highlights
11' TRY FOR TONGA! Tameifana, initially drove deep into Romanian territory and then Piutau drew two defenders before flicking an offload to Kata whoraced under the posts to touch down.
15' TRY FOR TONGA! Beginning from a line out, Tonga progressed moving to the right hand side, then a few phases later moving back left of centre, Moala brushed off a tackle and dived over the line.
22' TRY FOR TONGA! A real show of strength so far. Talitau made inroads deep in the Romanian half and then the ball was passed out to Taumoepeau who touched down. For the third time Havili's kick is perfect.
30' TRY FOR ROMANIA! Their first try since their early one against Ireland in their first game. They have been dominated so far, but finally a well worked move at the front of the line out leads to Boboc diving over the line.
36' TRY FOR ROMANIA! The game has turned and a wonderful moment in the 104th and final match for his country, as Surugiu reacts to the loose ball quickest and runs in a try.
50' TRY FOR TONGA! Ngaumo's throw from the line out was perfect, Coleman collected cleanly and then a powerful maul allowed Vailanu to dive over the line.
55' TRY FOR ROMANIA! A fantastic chip from the wing from Onutu and Simionescu runs between two Tongans to touch down.
63' TRY FOR TONGA! After Romania were drawn to their right hand side of the field in the their own 22, Ahki drove outside and scored what may prove to be a crucial try.
66' TRY FOR TONGA! After a quick release from a lineout, Havili feeds outside to Piutau who may have been able to go over himself but instead throws outside for Kata to score.
72' TRY FOR TONGA! Jet-heeled substitute Taumoefolau receives a long pass and darts to the corner evading a Romania corner and leaping over the line.
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