Tonga Hoping to Squeeze in Through the Back Door

With all the controversy this week regarding France's possible selection policy ahead of their meeting with hosts New Zealand, it is easy sometimes to forget that there are more than two sides in Pool A. However, going quietly about their business are Tonga, whose most recent game resulted in a 31-18 win over Japan now sees them sat in third place in the group and eyeing a potential upset of their own.

With France rumoured to be resting several key players ahead of their match against the All Blacks in the hope of finishing second in the group, thereby entering arguably the easier section of that half of the World Cup draw, they leave space behind them for Tonga to sneak in unnoticed. Granted, it would take a Herculean effort for the Tongans to overhaul the Gauls in their final group match, but should Lievremont's side receive a hammering from New Zealand this weekend, it would take just a Tongan win along with the bonus point to put the Pacific Islanders in one of the most enviable positions of the quarter final draw. Those following the rugby betting need to bear this in mind.

Certainly Tonga did not play their game against Japan at the Northland Events Centre in Whangarei on Wednesday morning as though they were already out of the competition. In fact they put in one of the most determined and rugged performances on display so far in the tournament.

The strength and discipline from their front eight – in particular the powerful back-row combination of Tonga'uiha, Filise and captain Aleki Lutui – as well as the composure and ruthlessness of their back division were a joy to behold. Certainly it was enough to leave the world wondering both how they didn't put Canada to the sword last time out, as well as whether Lievremont would be so confident in his latest team selection if they had. The Rugby World Cup betting shows they need to pick up their game.

One more try in against Japan would have seen Tonga register a bonus point – and would make their final game against France a real battle – but the way things stand, they will require another outstanding performance from fly-half Kurt Morath if they are to have any chance of beating Les Bleus in a convincing enough fashion to progress themselves.