Tonga’s ‘dream’ still alive

Tonga coach Mana Otai claimed that securing the maximum possible five points was a key aim for the side in their 35-21 win over Namibia.

Too much firepower in the backs helped Tonga unlock Namibia's defence time and again in an entertaining match at Sandy Park in Exeter.

Telusa Veainu and Jack Ram both finished with two tries each but Otai conceded that the team should have scored more.

"To win and get the five points was one of our three goals we set out to do," Otai said.

"Outcome-wise, we aimed to win and get maximum points. There was a third we didn't quite achieve, but nonetheless we'll take the first two.

"After Georgia we keep saying the dream is still alive, and getting five points is another step towards that.

"We left a lot of tries out there on the field, but credit to Namibia for the pressure they put on us."

Veainu's two scores came after Fetu'u Vainikolo was a late withdrawal earlier on Tuesday.

"You have to remember for players it's their welfare and their livelihood," added Otai.

"It was a precaution (not to play Vainikolo) to prolong his post-World Cup career."