Match in Pictures: Tonga 92-10 Cook Islands

Tonga ran in 16 tries to top Group D

30 Oct 2022

Match in Pictures: Tonga 92-10 Cook Islands

Tonga ran in 16 tries to top Group D

By Josh Graham at Riverside Stadium

Tonga recorded their highest-ever points tally with a 92-10 victory over Cook Islands.

Will Penisini scored four of his side's 16 tries and skipper Jason Taumalolo two on his return from suspension as Tonga eclipsed the 66-18 defeat of South Africa in the 2000 World Cup.

The 2017 semi-finalists secured top spot in Group D with their best performance to date after unconvincing wins over Papua New Guinea and Wales and will face the winner of this evening’s clash between Samoa and France next weekend for a place in the semi-final.

Here are the best snaps from Teesside.

Cook Islands performed the Maori Ura for the final time at the tournament. Getty Images

Tonga ensured their Sipi Tau will grace the World Cup once again in the quarter-finals. Getty Images

Zane Tetevano grabbed hold of anything he could to deny the rampaging Talatau Amone. Getty Images

Sione Katoa missed his first but went on to make 14 of 15 subsequent conversion attempts. Getty Images

Will Penisini barges over for his fourth and Tonga's 15th try of the afternoon. Getty Images

The Tongan contingent proved a colourful - and noisy - addition to the landscape at the Riverside Stadium. Getty Images

The Rugby League World Cup promises to be the biggest, best and most inclusive event in the sport’s 127-year history with men’s, women’s and wheelchair teams competing in 61 games across 21 venues throughout England. Tickets are available via rlwc2021.com/tickets