Tonga claim Rugby World Cup spot to face two of the world's top three sides in daunting group

Tonga have secured their place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup after sweeping aside Asian champions Hong Kong.

The Tongans romped to a 44-22 win in the Asia/Pacific play-off on Saturday at Australia's Sunshine Coast Stadium to claim their spot in France's showpiece tournament next year, marking their ninth appearance at a World Cup.

They will now join Romania, Ireland, Scotland and world champions South Africa in Pool B, opening their campaign against the Irish in Nantes on September 16, 2023. The daunting group features two of the top three ranked sides in the world in Ireland (number one) and the reigning champions South Africa (number three).

Tonga’s bid to qualify for World Cup began little more than a year ago when they were beaten by Samoa in both legs of their Oceania 1 play-off (42-13 and 37-15), to lose 79-28 on aggregate. The Pacific Islanders then bounced back with a 54-10 win against Cook Islands, earning them the right to compete in the Asia/Pacific 1 play-off against Hong Kong.

As for Hong Kong, their hopes of qualification are not over yet as they will progress to the final qualification tournament in November, a four-team round-robin competition with Portugal, Kenya and USA. More details on dates, format and location are set to be announced on Monday, July 25.

Hong Kong, who are being led by former Dragons player Lewis Evans in the coaching hot seat, have never qualified for the World Cup, whereas Tonga have missed out on just one occasion since the tournament's inception.

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