Seniloli try treble sends Tonga into RWC
TONGA qualified for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan without having to play yesterday after a hattrick of tries from scrum-half Henry Seniloli helped Fiji to a 38-16 win over Samoa in Apia.
Samoa could afford to lose the game but needed a bonus point to draw level with the Tongans on six points in the Pacific Nations Cup standings, the last two versions of which doubled as the qualifying tournament for the World Cup.
Seniloli’s hat-trick and tries from centre Jale Vatubua and lock Api Ratuniyarawa ensured the Fijians went unbeaten in the Pacific Nations tournament and finished on 17 points. Tonga ended on six and Samoa on five.
Tonga will now join England, France, Argentina and the United States in Pool C.
Fiji qualified last week after they beat Tonga 14-10 in Nuku'alofa and as the top-ranked Oceania team will join Australia, Wales, Georgia and either Canada or Uruguay in Pool D in Japan.
Fiji captain Akapusi Qera said: “I want to thank all the boys for all their work over the past seven weeks.
“It’s a good feeling. It’s why we play rugby. You want to win silverware and to win the PNC title is a big bonus.”
Samoa, whose points came from the boot of Tusi Pisi and a try from captain David Lemi in his 50th Test, now face a play-off against a European side, with the loser of that game entering the repechage tournament.
“It's no excuses for us. I’d like to congratulate Fiji for their win in the PNC,” Lemi said. “We have to dig deep to make sure we qualify for the World Cup.”