Five teams even new guys Chile will have played twice at the Rugby World Cup by the time Tonga makes its bow on Saturday. The New Zealand World Cup winner who jumped on the eligibility law changes to play for Tonga, his country of birth, said on Monday their late start has enlightened them on how teams have handled the opening weekend. One of the teams that has already got its jerseys dirty is Tonga's first opponent Ireland.
Tonga's head coach says that when they will meet Ireland in their opening Rugby World Cup match all he will demand from his players is a "whole-hearted performance".
Five teams — even new guys Chile — will have played twice at the Rugby World Cup by the time Tonga makes its bow on Saturday. The New Zealand World Cup winner who jumped on the eligibility law changes to play for Tonga, his country of birth, said on Monday their late start has enlightened them on how teams have handled the opening weekend. One of the teams that has already got its jerseys dirty is Tonga's first opponent — Ireland.