Tonga need more time to build on gutsy showing says coach

MARSEILLE, France : Tonga received a huge boost after a gutsy showing against South Africa at the Rugby World Cup on Sunday with coach Toutai Kefu insisting more time together and extra matches for the small island nation will further increase their competitiveness.

Tonga were feisty and physical but undone by their errors as they lost 49-18 to the defending champions in Marseille

“We dominated territory and possession; we just probably needed a little bit more in our attack,” said Kefu, the former Australia international.

“I thought we slowed the game down really well. I think there was a couple of moments when we had the ball, especially against their line, with the pick-and-go where we probably needed to vary our attack a little bit more.

"I thought it was probably too forward dominated. We got some sleek backs that we didn’t use better.”

However, Tonga were the first side to score three tries against South Africa in 17 World Cup games since the Springbok’s shock defeat by Japan in Brighton in 2015.

“I didn't know that. That's nice. That's good. I'd rather have a better result, though,” Kefu added.

“Look, we were always just going to judge ourselves on our performance today and I thought the boys had a real dig.

"We said to the group before the game, 'put on a performance out there that when you come off the field, you're absolutely proud of your family and proud of your village, regardless of the score' and I think they did that."

Progress now for Tonga would come from playing more tests.

"We've got the talent now. The eligibility rules opened that door for us. Now we need time to really blend," said Kefu.

"A third of my squad plays in France, a third play in the U.K, the other third are in New Zealand and then a couple in