Tonga Rugby World Cup 2019 betting preview

The Sea Eagles have never won through to the second round in previous World Cups, but they do have some impressive notches on their belt over the years.

Undoubtedly Tonga’s greatest win at the World Cup came in 2011 when they defeated France 19-14 in Wellington. And to add merit to that triumph, the French rebounded to make the final!

Of course, they are drawn alongside France in Pool C this time around too; you can be sure no one in the Les Bleus will be taking anything for granted against the powerful Pacific Islanders.

Tonga have a dominant record against the United States and we think they can chalk up at least one win this time around. Their next best chance, in our opinion, will come against Les Bleus. You never know what to expect with France at a Rugby World Cup.

While a victory at RWC’19 looks a long-shot at 501.00 with leading online betting sites, there are some world class players in the Tongan squad that we think are worth your consideration for individual markets.

Keep an eye out for prop Ben Tameifuna, who plays in France; he will be hard to miss as he weighs in a 135kg plus and is packed with power.

Below we highlight some of the best bets and predictions for Tonga at RWC’19 and also give you a run down of how they have faired in the lead-up to the tournament in Japan.

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Where Tonga will finish in the 2019 Rugby World Cup

WGL prediction: Eliminated in group stage. Tough group with three top 10 teams in the world. But the WGL team think Tonga can notch up a win against the USA.

Previous best World Cup result: Pool stage.

Tonga’s Rugby World Cup draw

Match 7: England v Tonga, Sunday, Sep 22, Pool C, Sapporo Dome
Match 13: Argentina v Tonga, Saturday, Sep 28, Pool C, Hanazono Rugby Stadium
Match 28: France v Tonga, Sunday, Oct 6, Pool C, Kumamoto Stadium
Match 38: United States v Tonga, Sunday, Oct 13, Pool C, Hanazono Rugby Stadium

Tonga’s most recent results

July 27: Samoa 25 d Tonga 17, Pacific Nations Cup, Apia, Samoa
August 3: Japan 41 d Tonga 7, Pacific Nations Cup, Osaka, Japan
August 9: Tonga 33 d Canada, Pacific Nations Cup, Lautoka, Fiji
August 31: Fiji 29 d Tonga 19, Tonga tour/Fiji tour, Auckland, NZ
September 7: New Zealand 92 d Tonga 7, Tonga tour, Hamilton, NZ

Tonga’s record against Pool C rivals

England: Played 2: won 0, lost 2. Points for: 30, Points against: 137
France: Played 5: won 2, lost 3. Points for: 75, Points against: 149
Argentina: Played 1: won 0, lost 1. Points for: 16, Points against: 45
United States: Played 9: won 8, lost 1. Points for: 241, Points against: 134

Tonga squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup

Coach: Toutai Kefu

Forwards: Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Vunipola Fifita, Latu Talakai, Paula Ngauamo, Sosefo Sakalia, Siua Maile, Siua Halanukonuka, Ma’afu Fia, Ben Tameifuna, Sam Lousi, Leva Fifita, Sitiveni Mafi, Sione Kalamafoni, Maama Vaipulu, Fotu Lokotui, Zane Kapeli, Dan Faleafa, Nasi Manu.

Backs: Sonatane Takulua, Leon Fukofuka, Samisoni Fisilau, Kurt Morath, James Faiva, Siale Piutau (captain), Malietoa Hingano, Nafi Tuitavake, Atieli Pakalani, David Halaifonua, Viliami Lolohea, Cooper Vuna, Telusa Veainu.

Leading try-scorer prediction for Tonga

Sonatane Takulua: The scrum-half is always heavily involved for the national side and it would not surprise to see him come up with a couple of tries for the tournament. Takulua is short but powerfully built and at 28 is at the peak of his powers. If his team is to beat the USA and trouble a couple of the others, look to Takulua and fly-half Kurt Morath to do the damage.

Tonga predictions – can the Sea Eagles shock the world?

Not this time unfortunately, though we do love an underdog and the Tongans always provide plenty of entertainment from the moment they launch into their war chant, the Sipi Tau. It is fearsome. We are predicting Tonga will beat the USA and will also push the French and the Argentines for at least the first half of their matches.

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