Kefu: “I think we can compete with France and Argentina”

Tonga Head Coach Toutai Kefu is feeling upbeat about playing in the Pool of Death. The Pacific Islanders recent qualification for Japan 2019 saw them grouped with Argentina, England, France and the USA. Tonga were the fifth and final team to qualify but the dating task is being greeted with open arms.

Kefu noted that “I think in terms of our mindset it suits us to play the harder teams.” Tonga is not a side to back down from a challenge. Indeed in Rugby World Cup 2011 the Pacific Islanders upset finalists France in the pool stage. Last November they also defeated Italy in Padua.

These and other results given meaning to Kefu’s beliefs. “I think we’ve got so many players that play in France and play against those French players so France don’t really scare us,” he stated.

“I think we can compete with them and also Argentina, I don’t think they’re out of the realms of beating them as well. England, obviously, are at a different level and if we were to lose one it would most likely be that, but we’re definitely going to approach every game as if we can win it.”

Tonga faced Argentina at the last Rugby World Cup. Taking place in Leicester the Pacific Islanders challenge Los Pumas in the opening half before the South Americans ultimately ran-out 45-16 winners.

In 2015 Tonga was the third seeded team in Argentina’s pool. For Japan 2019 Tonga enters as the fifth. England, France, Argentina and the USA are seeded 1st-4th based on the ranking and order in which they qualified.

The USA Eagles and Tonga have played matches with regularity. The most recent game was played in Spain last November. Tonga won the match 20-17 but the Eagles left disappointed, feeling that they ought to have achieved a victory.

This coming November there will be no repeat. The USA will not face Tonga and nor will Canada. The USA’s confirmed November Internationals are away matches against Germany and Georgia. A third match is expected to be announced at a later date.

The Ikale Tahi are to play the English Barbarians in Limerick, Japan in France and Romania in Bucharest. Kefu will be looking for a return of 3-0 during this tour.

Born in Tonga in 1974, Kefu moved with his family to Australia as a child and went on to become one of Australia’s greatest players. He was a mainstay in the Wallabies from 1997-2003, earning 60 caps. He won the 1999 World Cup, defeated the 2001 British & Irish Lions and famously scored in Sydney to defeat New Zealand in John Eales’ final match. Injury forced him out of playing in the 2003 World Cup.

On May 06 2016 Kefu was announced as the Tongan Head Coach. He replaced Mana Otai. His brothers, Mafileo Kefu and Steve Kefu are both capped by Tonga.