Tonga qualifies to RWC after their win over Hong Kong

Tonga has advanced to next year’s Rugby World Cup in France after a 44-22 win over Hong Kong in the final of an Asia Pacific qualifying tournament last night.

Tonga led 20-8 at halftime. Sonatane Takulua scored two first-half tries and added a third in the second half in Brisbane.

Tonga will be in Pool B with defending champion South Africa, No. 1-ranked Ireland, Scotland and Romania.

Hong Kong can still qualify for France via a second-chance tournament in Dubai in November. A four-team tournament also involving the United States, Kenya and Portugal will determine the 20th team, with the winner joining Pool C with Wales, two-time champion Australia, Georgia and the Vodafone Flying Fijians.

The Rugby World Cup will be held in France next year.