Tonga Qualify for RWC 2019, Will Face Argentina and USA

Tonga has qualified for Rugby World Cup 2019 and will face Argentina and the USA. The Pacific Islanders secured the Oceania 2 spot thanks to Fiji’s 38-16 win over Samoa in Apia this evening.

Played on Saturday afternoon, local time, the Samoans had a 16-14 half time lead. In failing to score second half points and leaking tries the victory comfortably went to Fiji.

For Fiji it was all about the Pacific Nations Cup. Having secured their spot at Rugby World Cup 2019 last weekend today’s fixture was about retaining the Oceania crown. Fiji has held the title since 2015, underlining their current status as Pacific Islands powerhouses.

Prior to this year’s fixtures beginning Fiji made no secret of wanting to win. Fiji was out to avoid the Pool of Death of Rugby World Cup 2019. That pool is Pool C which Tonga joined this evening. Tonga joins Argentina, England, France and the USA.

Fiji will play in Pool D, taking on Australia, Georgia, Wales and either Canada or Uruguay. The Americas 2 qualifier will be determined in early 2018. The teams are to play home-and-away with the winner, on aggregate, joining Pool D.

Samoa’s path to Japan 2019 is now vastly changed. Qualifying will require overcoming Europe 2. The home-and-away series will be in June 2018.  The winner will join Ireland, Japan, Scotland and Europe 1 in Pool A. The loser will be eliminated.