Kukri mix it up with a new away jersey for the ʻIkale Tahi' (Sea Eagles) in their forthcoming 2015 Rugby World Cup campaign With the trademark red of Tonga shinning through on the team's home jersey, Kukri splash a new paint-job of crisp white whilst maintaining the iconic tribal patterns gives a contrast of classic meets modern. The away jersey features a clean … [Read more...]
RWC: Tonga stun lacklustre French outfit
Tonga produced a classic World Cup moment in a remarkable 19-14 win over France tonight as the French procured a quarterfinal spot by the narrowest of margins. The odd combination of Dimitri Yachvili and Morgan Parra in the halves did nothing to enhance the troubled reputation of French coach Marc Lievremont as the physical Tongan approach unnerved their more technically gifted … [Read more...]
RWC: Match Preview: France – Tonga
The French rollercoaster ride of New Zealand continues as they face Tonga in the penultimate match of Pool A in Wellington today, 6pm local time. Holding ten points going into the final round, France have one foot in the quarterfinals already – their less fancied opponents are the only remaining team in contention for second place but require not only an upset victory but an … [Read more...]
RWC: Tonga triumph against valiant Japanese
Tonga responded from a disappointing loss to Canada at Okara Park in Whangarei by beating fellow Pool A minnows Japan on the same pitch by a margin of 31-18. Both teams scored three tries but the accurate boot of Kurt Morath proved the difference; James Arlidge went from hero to villain in a dreadful display, failing to land a single kick while spending ten minutes in the bin. … [Read more...]
RWC: Match Preview: Tonga – Japan
John Kirwan’s Japanese face Tonga in a battle for the minor placing in Pool A, a match that in previous years has proved a very competitive fixture. The two second-tier nations topped the Pacific nations Cup in 2011, with a nail-biting 28-27 game between the two eventually handing Japan the title. Japan earned rave reviews after an impressive showing against France in the first … [Read more...]