Winger Solomone Kata scored a brace as Tonga ended their World Cup campaign with a hard fought victory over Romania to finish fourth in the ”pool of death”.
The 45-24 victory brings the curtain down on former Australia No 8 Toutai Kefu’s time as Tonga head coach, a position he has held since 2016.
Kefu, 49, who helped the Wallabies to the 1999 World Cup success as a player, witnessed the Pacific Islanders score seven tries in Lille to secure their first win of the tournament.
Romania stayed in the game until the hour-mark but failed to avoid a fourth-straight defeat in a pool that also included the world champion Springboks, world number one side Ireland and Scotland.
But it was an encouraging show from the Romanians who only reached the tournament after Spain were thrown out for fielding an ineligible player during qualifying.
Romania head coach Eugen Apjok gave Florin Surugiu his 104th and final Test appearance just two months out from his 39th birthday alongside three Tongan-born backs in the Oaks’ starting lineup.
Kefu’s side deservedly led 21-3 after almost as many minutes thanks to tries from wingers Solomone Kata and Afusipa Taumoepeau as well as Clermont midfielder Moala.
The combination of Salesi Piutau and Solomone Kata at it again ?#RWC2023 | #TGAvROU pic.twitter.com/exz18doR11
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 8, 2023
Romania, in their ninth of a possible 10 World Cups, cut the deficit to just four points at the break as flanker Cristi Boboc and veteran Surugiu crossed.
Eighthmam Sione Vailanu scored for Tonga and fullback Marius Simionescu went over for the Oaks as Kefu’s side, known as the Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles), led 28-24 going into the final quarter.
Tonga’s superior fitness paid off in the final 20 minutes as centre Pita Ahki, Leicester Tigers’ Kata with his second, and 20-year-old replacement winger Kyren Taumoefolau went over to secure their ninth-ever World Cup victory.
