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Tonga qualify for Rugby World Cup after Fiji triumph
By Peter Thompson
Tonga have qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup after Fiji beat Manu Samoa to retain the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday.
Manu Samoa required a bonus-point victory in the showdown at Apia Park to seal their spot in Pool C for the showpiece in Japan in two years' time.
But Fiji, who had already qualified for the World Cup, ensured it will be Tonga who will be up against England, France, Argentina and the United States in what has been billed as the 'group of death'.
Henry Seniloli scored a hat-trick as Fiji won 38-16 to lift the Pacific Nations Cup for the third consecutive year.
Manu Samoa will still get another chance to seal a spot in the World Cup when they play off against either the Czech Republic or Portugal.
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Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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