Rugby: Tonga coach happy with 30 point loss

Taniela Moa of Tonga. Photo / Getty Images

Despite losing again to New Zealand, Tonga left Eden Park on Friday satisfied to have restored some pride when it knew winning the World Cup's opening match was beyond reach.

The All Blacks charged to a 29-0 lead in the first 33 minutes to end the Pool A match as a contest, but Tonga then almost equaled the home side in scoring over the rest of the match to lose 41-10.

It was the closest result between the teams. In their last clash, in the 2003 World Cup, New Zealand won 91-7.

Isitolo Maka, the Tonga coach who played for the All Blacks 13 years ago, was delighted with his team.

He said, "To score 10 points against the All Blacks I'm very happy with that. I'm happy they scored only 41 points."