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JACK RAM bagged two tries to help Tonga put a disappointing start to the Rugby World Cup behind them with a thrilling 35-21 victory over Namibia on Tuesday.
After going down 17-10 to Georgia, Tonga showed their true colors against an outpowered Namibia, which is now winless in 17 World Cup matches.
But Namibia also got three tries and felt their first World Cup point is getting closer.
Led by Australian-born sevens specialist Ram, the South Sea islanders scored five tries to bag a bonus point that could be vital in their battle with Georgia for third place in Pool C and automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup.
While Tonga mathematically remained in the hunt for second place, the side has still to play heavyweights New Zealand and Argentina.
Tonga winger Telusa Veainu also got a brace of tries while Latiume Fosita crossed for another. Vunga Lilo hit two conversions and a penalty, and Kurt Morath a late penalty. Namibia hit back with a first-half try from Johan Tromp and two Jacques Burger pushovers in the second. Theuns Kotze converted all three.
“We lost to Georgia when a lot of families, friends and fans expected us to win that,” said Tonga captain Siale Piutau.
“We knew we had to come out and put in a performance.
“And we know we have to be a lot better against Argentina later this week. We played a final today and we will play another final Sunday.”
Namibia coach Phil Davies said: “Tonga was just too good for us today unfortunately.”
“We’ll keep working until we get that elusive win we’re after. It won’t be for the want of trying, that’s for sure.” Burger said he was sure a first point was not far away. “When we have tightened up the scrum we will be a lot more dangerous.”
An energetic opening saw wasted chances by both sides in front of a raucous 10,000-plus crowd at Exeter’s Sandy Park.
But after five minutes, a deft inside ball in midfield saw Veainu power in from halfway despite a desperate Chrysander Botha tackle on the tryline.
(SD-Agencies)
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