Pacific Island hopes of making the Rugby World Cup playoffs are all but over following Argentina's 45-16 win over Tonga in Leicester.
Tonga players thank the crowd following their Rugby World Cup defeat to Argentina. Photo: AFp
The Pumas scored five tries to two to leapfrog the 'Ikale Tahi into second place in Pool C, and only need to beat Namibia to confirm their spot in the last eight.
Tonga dominanted possession and territory but captain Nili Latu says they didn't take their chances.
"At half-time we wanted to get points straight off from kick off and we got that. The momentum was on our side but the mistakes crept in and Argentina scored straight away. We missed five kicks today and our team is a team that strives on confidence but it's little mistakes that we can control and fix for the All Blacks game".
The 'Ikale Tahi's quarter final hopes are effectively over but Latu remains philosophical about their World Cup campaign.
"We had high hopes and that's the way you've got to come into this World Cup - you can't just let the tier one [teams have it all their own way]. It doesn't really matter where you are on the table you've got to come out fighting. I'm really proud of my boys and know we've got one more big game up our sleeve against the All Blacks".
The Tongan team huddle together following their Rugby World Cup defeat to Argentina. Photo: AFP
Manu Samoa's quarter final hopes were ended yesterday by Japan while Fiji have suffered consecutive defeats to England, Australia and Wales.
