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Tongan rugby fans in New Zealand said after this morning's South Pacific upset at the Rugby World Cup that they hope it will lift rugby in the island nation.
Auckland barrister Sione Fonua said there have been problems with the Tongan rugby administration but if those are settled
then the team will lift it's game even higher.
"I must give my congratulations to the coach, who seems to be doing some good work," Mr Fonua said.
He said this morning's win shows that Tonga has the players to perform well on the international rugby stage.
"Tonga will be a force. I've always had that belief and I have no doubt in my mind that they have the ability to get up there and make the quarter finals, even the semi-finals," Mr Fonua said.
Auckland Tonga Rugby team coach, Isope Wolfgramm, said the result is a huge positive for Tongan rugby but he hopes the players return home to lift the standard of rugby in he islands.
"But they might stay overseas instead of going back," Mr Wolfgramm said.
He said overseas teams looking to sign players might be taking a second look at some of the Tongan team.
"Tonga has just lifted their performance to a very different standard. They've lifted it up and have gotten really good," Mr Wolfgramm said.
He made special mention of the tight five, an area where Tonga have struggled in the past.
Mr Wolfgramm said this morning's performance was fore-shadowed by his team's performance earlier in the year when the Auckland Tonga team beat the Auckland Samoa team.
The King of Tonga has joined his countrymen in applauding the win.
Tonga beat their Pacific rivals Samoa 19 - 15 despite being reduced to 13 men at the end of the match.
His Majesty King George Tupou V watched the match and was described as being "very happy" with the result.
The Royal Family private secretary Sateki Ahio said Samoa is the traditional rivals but the two countries have a lot in common.
"Before the team left for France, the team all came and met with the King. The King sent his best wishes, he kept telling them that they are the ambassadors of Tonga wherever they go," Mr Ahio said.
He said the meeting inspired the team who has the overwhelming support of the royal family.
Tongans in New Zealand are also celebrating the victory this morning.
Mt Albert Tongan Assembly of God Pastor Sione Moala said the game was an upset and he was predicting Samoa would win.
"I thought Samoa would give them a hiding. But Tonga changed the way they play, the backs gave a different performance," Mr Moala said.
He said a lot of Tongans stayed up for the game, despite the 2am kick-off.
A senior minister at the Penrose Tongan Assembly of God, Mrs Lenati, said the congregation is very proud of the Tongan team.
Mrs Lenati said she was asleep but a lot of people watched the game.
"The Tongans and the All Blacks, that's their teams," Mrs Lenati said.
Tongan pro-democracy activist Alani Taione said the Tongan team this year has been picked on merits, whereas in the past some players have been picked because of who they are related to.
"I'm happy, I feel excited about the boys. I feel that they feel free," Mr Taione said.
He said some people have felt in the past let down by some of the selections but this World Cup is different and the people are behind the team.
"Everybody is happy. They are going there to win and their hearts are happy," Mr Taione said.
He said there will be some tired Tongans around today but they will have smiles on their faces.
