South Pacific Island powerhouse Tonga have continued their march towards Rugby World Cup 2023 with yet another impressive victory over Canada.
Staring down the barrel of a brutally tough Pool B that includes World number one Ireland, reigning World Champions South Africa, 5th ranked Scotland and Romania. The Tongans will look to throw the cat amongst the pigeons by knocking over three of the tournament favourites.
Spearheaded by several experienced campaigners who have recently become eligible due to World Rugby’s newest eligibility laws. Tonga and their Pacific Island rivals Fiji and Samoa enter this year’s World Cup in a stronger position than ever.
Having already defeated Canada 28 – 3 a week ago, the men in red doubled down by beating the North Americans 36 – 12 today.
Sofeso Sakalia got the Tongans in front within five minutes as the Tongan pack got a powerful maul rolling.
Fullback Kyren Taumoefolau would then extend the lead to 12 – 0 following a clever grubber kick.
Next up, Vaea Fifita would take the home side out of sight at 19 – 0 before Sakalia got his second to all but seal the result at 26 – 0.
Immediately after the break, it would be 31 – 0 as Taumoefolau got his second of the day in the 45th minute.
Due to the constant pressure being applied by Tonga, Canada couldn’t get any momentum before it was too late.
In the end, Canada would score two consolation tries through Isaac Olson but were by and large outclassed by their hosts.
Next up for Tonga is a far sterner challenge against a red-hot Ireland on September 16th in the opening game of their Rugby World Cup campaign in Nantes.
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