RWC2023: Tonga beat Hong Kong 44-22 to qualify for Rugby World Cup 2023 after won the Asia/Pacific Play-off run
- A hat-trick from captain Sonatane Takalua was the highlight as Tonga defeated battling Hong Kong 44-22 in the Asia/Pacific 1 play-off at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Australia on Saturday to punch their ticket to Rugby World Cup 2023 in France.
'Ikale Tahi will compete in Pool B, opening their #RWC2023 campaign against Ireland in Nantes on September 16th, followed by Scotland in Nice on September 24th, South Africa in Marseille on October 1st, and Romania in Lille on October 8th.
Takalua was relieved after the match that they had became the 19th side to confirm their participation in France2023.
- Takalua's knock-on at the base of the ruck in the build-up to a short side play denied Tima Fainga'anuku, and later Solomone Funaki's try from a maul was chalked off for obstruction.
- Hong Kong were under a lot of pressure at this point, especially at scrum time, as they gave up five penalties in the first ten minutes.
- Tonga were yet to score despite dominating territory and possession, but another Hong Kong gaffe was punished in the 11th minute with three points from fly-half William Havili's trusted left boot.
- Strong carries from openside Funaki and inside centre Fetuli Paea set up the first try, which came after Takalua sniped over from close range, with Havili converting to put Tonga up by ten points.
#RWC2023 It was a terrific conclusion for Hong Kong, who now have another opportunity to qualify for their first Rugby World Cup in November.
As Asia/Pacific runners-up, they will compete in the Final Qualification Tournament, a four-team round-robin competition against Portugal, Kenya, and the United States.
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