Tongan rugby fans at the Auckland International Airport as the Tonga Rugby World Cup team arrives. Photo / Brett Phibbs
If crowd support really does play an important part in boosting a team on the field, then the Tongans may well be unstoppable at the Rugby World Cup.
With most of the teams having touched down in New Zealand already, Tonga has blown away all other official welcomes.
Over 7000
fans created gridlock around Auckland Airport for their arrival yesterday compared to just a couple hundred Aussie supporters who greeted the Wallabies today.
It was a sea of red and white, as Tonga's loyal supporters waved flags, banners and cheered their side led out by captain Finau Maka.
The massive turnout surprised police and airport staff, who initially struggled to ease traffic congestion.
