Don't discount Tonga yet

By CHRIS RATTUE

Tonga have been outclassed in their three previous Cup tournaments, winning just two of nine matches and suffering heavy defeats against the top sides, including a 101-10 thrashing by England at Twickenham in 1999.

And there is not a lot in their lead-up form to inspire much confidence that they can emerge from the pool alongside the All Blacks as quarter-finalists, although Tonga cannot be discounted in such an even race for the second playoff spot.

Tonga ended up playing Korea and Papua New Guinea in a World Cup repechage after losing their qualifying matches against Fiji and Samoa by significant margins last year.

And they have hardly set the world on fire this season, losing 40-19 to Ireland in Nukualofa, although they have shared close results in a double-header against Fiji.

They have also drawn with a New Zealand Divisional XV before suffering a heavy defeat by the Maori.

Coach Jim Love has brought together a side from around the rugby planet, but getting players released from professional commitments has not been his only problem.

Four well-rated New Zealand-based front rowers are missing - Chiefs prop David Briggs was unavailable, but Tevita Taumoepeau, Aleki Lutui and Taufa'ao Filise were not considered because of what Love calls disciplinary reasons.

They are absences Tonga can ill afford, even though Love claims he has more-than-adequate replacements.

Love also missed out on securing three league players, the controversial Australian John Hopoate, and Lesley Vainikolo and Tevita Vaikona, who play for Bradford.

On the positive side, Tonga have a committed and respected leader in Japan-based lock Inoke Afeaki, who played his first Cup in 1995.

Others of note in their squad include Bridgend halfback Sililo Martens, Japan-based utility back Pierre Hola, former Brumbies loose forward Ipolito Fenukitau, and players such as Johnny and Milton Ngauamo, who have played in the NPC.

Tonga are certainly capable of beating any of the other pool sides, apart from New Zealand, but whether they can put together a consistent campaign is another matter, and questions remain about their discipline in the heat of World Cup battle.

There is one good omen, though: one of their World Cup victories was against Italy, 28-25 at Leicester in 1999, when Sateki Tu'ipolotu, who is also in this year's squad, kicked an injury-time drop goal.

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