Tonga 25-15 USA: The tiny South Pacific kingdom of Tonga humbled the United States in their opening World Cup Pool A match to effectively knock the Americans out of the competition.
The Eagles failed to repeat their inspired performance against defending champions England last weekend as the toll of playing twice in four days took its toll on a hot afternoon at Mosson stadium.
Tonga, who qualified for the tournament by winning one of the two repechage places, led 13-0 after an early try by giant number eight Finau Maka but needed two late scores from wing Joseph Vaka and replacement Viliami Vaki to seal the victory.
The United States pulled to within three points of Tonga when loosehead prop Mike MacDonald and blindside flanker Louis Stanfill both scored in the second half. However, Tonga immediately hit back on both occassions to record their first win at the World Cup since 1999.
Both sides were guilty of fundamental errors but what that game lacked in quality it made up for in entertainment as both teams frantically threw the ball around in the hope of picking up a consolation win a tough group that also includes South Africa and Samoa.
Tonga made a flying start, catching the Americans napping with their giant pack of forwards, but the Americans refused to give in, twice threatening to steal the win.
Maka, whose older brother Isitolo represented New Zealand in four tests in 1998, capped his international debut with a try in the second minute off the back of a rolling maul.
Tonga won a lineout inside the American quarter when USA winger Salesi Sika was bundled into touch from the opening kickoff and immediately made their opponents pay when they expertly wheeled the ball across the line for the first try.
Pierre Hola, Tonga's all time leading point scorer, added the conversion then two penalties to give his side a handy lead before the Americans finally started to find their rhythm.
Captain Mike Hercus opened the Eagles account with a penalty in the 32nd minute after missing an earlier attempt to cut the margin to 10 points at the break before MacDonald squeezed over in the corner shortly after the re-start as the islanders started to show signs of fatigue.
Tonga regained control of the game and extended their lead to 10 points when left winger Vaka finished off a 60-metre counterattack involving skipper Nili Latu and fullback Vungakoto Lilo but the Americans again hit back.
They got within three points when Stanfill was awarded a try that was referred to the South African video referee Mark Lawrence before Tonga called for fresh legs and Vaka responded by beating five defenders to score under the posts and decide the match.
Tonga play their Pacific island neighbours Samoa on Saturday while the Americans have a fortnight off before they tackle the Samoans.
