Top Performers: France vs Tonga
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France have qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after narrowly beat Tonga 23-21 at the Kumamoto Stadium on Sunday.
The French made heavy work of the task at hand as both teams managed to run in three tries a piece but the steady boot of Romain Ntamack made sure the Six Nations side saw the game out in the end.
🗣"It's been a really, really tough game."@FranceRugby's Gregory Alldritt discusses the win which takes his team into the knockouts
#RWC2019 #FRAvTGA #RWCKumamoto pic.twitter.com/1bkmmv5Vdd
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 6, 2019
Alivereti Raka (France)
The Fijian born winger was in devastating form today and it felt like every time he touched the ball he was going to either create something or score a try. Raka made 142 metres in the match made four clean breaks and beat three defenders with the ball in hand.
The winger scored a try today and also had a lovely try assist which help got France over the line.
A complete nightmare to defend against, the powerful Alivereti Raka was the @Mastercard Player of the Match for #FRAvTGA
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 6, 2019
13 carries (#1)
142 metres (#1)
One try#POTM #StartSomethingPriceless #RWC2019 pic.twitter.com/XCOVioxitJ
Virimi Vakatawa (France)
The centre was put in a huge shift today and also got himself on the score sheet thanks to powerful running from his teammate above. Vakatawa made 68 metres on attack today, beat five defenders and had one clean break in his 66 minutes of play. The 27-year-old did not have much defensive duty, but he did make three tackles and had two turnovers.
He scored a try and put in a powerful performance 💪
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 6, 2019
Here is what @FranceRugby's Virimi Vakatawa thought of the win 🗣#RWC2019 #FRAvTGA #RWCKumamoto pic.twitter.com/6U2UOspBl6
Telusa Veainu (Tonga)
The fullback played a full 80 minutes and had a terrific all round game of the Pacific Nation. The 28-year-old made 100% of his tackles today and managed one turnover on defence. On attack is where Veainu was at his best as he made 71 metres with ball in hand, and he also beat 4 defenders in the match.