RECAP: Tonga v United States

READERS’ FORUM: Welcome to the World Cup pool match between Tonga and the United States in Higashiosaka City.

Whatever the outcome of their final pool game against Tonga, USA’s assistant coach Greg McWilliams said there are plenty of positives for the Eagles to take out of World Cup 2019.

Both sides go into the game at Hanazono Rugby Stadium on Sunday hunting a first win but, in terms of lessons learned, McWilliams feels the benefits for his side have been enormous, despite defeats against England, France and Argentina.

Prediction: Both teams are on the cusp of unwanted records. If the United States loses, they will match their worst run in Rugby World Cup games, 10 defeats in a row. The Pacific Islanders have already equalled their worst RWC run with five successive losses. It will be a very tough contest, however, Tonga will win by 5 points or more.

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Teams: 

Tonga: 15 Telusa Veainu, 14 ‘Atieli Pakalani, 13 Malietoa Hingano, 12 Siale Piutau (captain), 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 James Faiva, 9 Sonatane Takulua, 8 Maama Vaipulu, 7 Zane Kapeli, 6 Sione Kalamafoni, 5 Halaleva Fifita, 4 Sam Lousi, 3 Siua Halanukonuka, 2 Paula Ngauamo, 1 Siegfried Fisi’ihoi.
Replacements: 16 Siua Maile, 17 Vunipola Fifita, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Dan Faleafa, 20 Nasi Manu, 21 Leon Fukofuka, 22 Latiume Fosita, 23 David Halaifonua.

USA: 15 Will Hooley, 14 Blaine Scully (captain), 13 Bryce Campbell, 12 Paul Lasike, 11 Marcel Brache, 10 AJ MacGinty, 9 Ruben de Haas, 8 Cam Dolan, 7 Malon Al-Jiboori, 6 Tony Lamborn, 5 Nick Civetta, 4 Greg Peterson, 3 Titi Lamositele, 2 Joe Taufete’e, 1 Eric Fry.
Replacements: 16 James Hilterbrand, 17 Olive Kilifi, 18 Paul Mullen, 19 Ben Landry, 20 Hanco Germishuys, 21 Ben Pinkelman, 22 Nate Augspurger, 23 Mike Te’o.