Much against expectations, Ireland ran Tonga close in their Pool C clash at the Parramatta Stadium on Monday. Tonga went in at the break leading by 12-10. The second half and with just 12 minutes left to play and they had a narrow lead 18-20. But a late score from winger Esikele Tonga put his side narrowly ahead, and they just about held off the Irish Wolfhounds’ desperate late challenge. Final score:

Tonga 22 Ireland 20

Scorers

Tonga
Tries: Jennings, Vuna, Uaisele, Tonga Goals: Taufa’ao 2, Williams
Ireland
Tries: Blanch 3, Platt Goals: Richards 2

Teams

Tonga: Talanoa, Vuna, Jennings, Uaisele, Tonga, Mateo, Taufa’ao, Kaufusi, Leo-Latau, Manuokafoa, L. Paea, Fa’aoso, Manu.
Replacements: Moa, Lauaki, Uasi, Williams.

Ireland: Platt, Blanch, Gleeson, Littler, Richards, Grix, Fitzpatrick, O’Carroll, Beswick, Tandy, Harrison, Doran, Finnigan.
Replacements: McIlorum, Finn, Haggerty, Cassidy.

Referee: S Ganson (England)