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| Monday, 20 October 2003 |
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Wales extinguish Tonga hopes CANBERRA, Sunday (Reuters) - Wales effectively ended Tonga's hopes of reaching the World Cup quarter-finals when they wore down the South Pacific islanders to win a scrappy pool D match 27-20 on Sunday. Tonga outscored Wales three tries to two but superior Wales kicking proved the difference. Flyhalf Stephen Jones kicked four penalty goals and Lions flanker Martyn Williams came off the bench to snap an important drop goal and score a try in the second half. Wales led 14-10 at halftime before Jones's fourth penalty and then a wobbly field goal from Williams, who replaced number eight Alix Popham midway through the second half, pushed Wales's lead to 10 points. Tonga, battered and bruised after a 36-12 loss to Italy four days earlier, never gave up and hit back when they drove a rolling maul through the heart of the Wales forwards for captain Benhur Kivalu to score. Williams then capped a great night off the bench when he ran on to a floated pass by centre Iestyn Harris to score out wide. Jones converted from the sideline for 27-15 despite missing three consecutive penalty goals earlier in the second half. Tonga added another second half try when prop Heamani Lavaka barged over in the corner with two minutes remaining but it was too late for Tonga, who threw the ball around desperately in the closing seconds in the hope of levelling the scores. |
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