Winger Solomone Kata scored a brace as Tonga ended their World Cup marketing campaign with a tough fought victory over Romania to complete fourth within the ”pool of loss of life”.

The 45-24 victory brings the curtain down on former Australia No 8 Toutai Kefu’s time as Tonga head coach, a place he has held since 2016.

Kefu, 49, who helped the Wallabies to the 1999 World Cup success as a participant, witnessed the Pacific Islanders rating seven tries in Lille to safe their first win of the match.

Romania stayed within the sport till the hour-mark however didn’t keep away from a fourth-straight defeat in a pool that additionally included the world champion Springboks, world primary aspect Eire and Scotland.

But it surely was an encouraging present from the Romanians who solely reached the match after Spain had been thrown out for fielding an ineligible participant throughout qualifying.

Romania head coach Eugen Apjok gave Florin Surugiu his 104th and ultimate Check look simply two months out from his thirty ninth birthday alongside three Tongan-born backs within the Oaks’ beginning lineup.

Kefu’s aspect deservedly led 21-3 after virtually as many minutes because of tries from wingers Solomone Kata and Afusipa Taumoepeau in addition to Clermont midfielder Moala.

The mix of Salesi Piutau and Solomone Kata at it once more 😍#RWC2023 | #TGAvROU pic.twitter.com/exz18doR11

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 8, 2023

Romania, of their ninth of a potential 10 World Cups, reduce the deficit to simply 4 factors on 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 aspect, often called the Ikale Tahi (Sea Eagles), led 28-24 going into the ultimate quarter.

Tonga’s superior health paid off within the ultimate 20 minutes as centre Pita Ahki, Leicester Tigers’ Kata together with his second, and 20-year-old substitute winger Kyren Taumoefolau went over to safe their ninth-ever World Cup victory.