Tonga 40-12 United States
Tonga ease past US Eagles
ESPN Staff
November 16, 2014
Report Match details
Date/Time: Nov 15, 2014, 16:45 local, 16:45 GMT
Venue: Kingsholm, Gloucester
Tonga 40 - 12 United States of America
Attendance: 8949  Half-time: 14 - 12
Tries: Halaifonua Tonga, Latu Langilangi, Lilo, Ma'afu, Vainikolo
Cons: Fosita, Morath 2
Pens: Morath 3
 Tries: Quill, Stanfill
Cons: Niua

Tonga snatched four second-half tries to run away with a 40-12 victory over the United States after a tense first half at Kingsholm.

Viliame Ma'afu, Vungakoto Lilo, David Halaifonua and captain Nili Latu all crossed the whitewash after the break to take Tonga well clear as the USA drew a blank in the second period. Prior to that it was Kurt Morath's kicking that kept the Pacific Islanders in touch as the USA outscored them two tries to one in the first 40 minutes.

Tim Stanfill and John Quill touched down at either end of the half for the USA, with Exeter's Fetu'u Vainikolo scoring in between for Tonga, but three penalties from Morath meant the USA were down 14-12 at the interval. Tonga, who will face holders New Zealand in Pool C at next year's World Cup, re-emerged with renewed purpose and a devastating 19-point haul in seven minutes early on in the second half put them firmly in control.

It started with Ma'afu barging over from close range in the 50th minute, before Lilo crossed over three minutes later - Morath added both conversions - and ended with Halaifonua also getting his name on the scoresheet. Latu's late try, which was converted by Latiume Fosita, wrapped up the scoring and completed a comfortable victory for Tonga.

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