10 Sep 2011

The 'Ikale Tahi take positives from opening RWC loss to All Blacks

12:15 pm on 10 September 2011

Tongan coach Isitolo Maka says his players will learn from their mistakes in Friday night's Rugby World Cup loss against New Zealand.

The All Blacks beat the 'Ikale Tahi 41-10 in the tournament opener at Eden Park, scoring four first half tries to put the result quickly beyond doubt.

But Tonga fought back in the second half, restricting New Zealand to just 12 points, and ended the match with more possession and territory.

Maka says they will take a lot of heart from that fightback and he's confident the team will get better.