Match result:

Tonga were at their destructive best in the final game of the Rugby League World Cup’s opening weekend, thrashing Scotland by 46 points.

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Final score

Scotland 4

Tonga 50

Match preview:

The first week of action at the Rugby League World Cup wraps up with a hugely important game between Tonga and Scotland in Cairns. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:15pm (AEDT).

Group B is seen as the group of death, and with good reason. Tonga were supposed to be the odd one out according to the international rugby league rankings, but they have named a squad far beyond anything they have previously put together.

With three of the top six teams placed in the group, the Pacific Islanders threw a spanner in the works with the addition of Andrew Fifita and Jason Taumalolo.

If they can find a way to score points, then they will be a real threat to New Zealand when that match is played in a few weeks.



For now though, the Tongans have to deal with Scotland, and it’s an assignment which may prove tricky despite their favouritism.

While the Tongan pack is potentially the best at the Cup – on top of Taumalolo and Fifita, they have Sio Siua Taukeiaho, Sika Manu, Manu Ma’u and Sam Moa, not to mention Joe Ofahengaue, who has missed out – their halves could be a cause for concern.

Tuimoala Lolohea will join youngster Ata Hingano, who struggled to get regular first-grade time at the New Zealand Warriors this season.

However, a backline consisting of Will Hopoate, Daniel Tupou, Michael Jennings and the scary combination of Konrad Hurrell and Manu Vatuvei means this well-rounded team could cause some serious damage.

Yet Scotland won’t go down without a fight.

They come in missing plenty of experience, with injuries to Kane Linnett, Lachlan Coote, Peter Wallace and Dragons centre Euan Aitken.

Danny Brough will be tasked with leading the side, as he did in 2013 when they made the final stages of the tournament. He will be joined in the halves by Daniel Addy, who has spent most of the season playing in the forwards, but is still a talented ball player.

Lewis Tierney will have a huge job to do at the back, but it’s in the forwards where Scotland might get beaten. They simply won’t have the size, go forward or defence to match Tonga.



Prediction

Tonga’s potential lack of scoring is an issue, but even with Danny Brough firing, Scotland won’t pick up victory.

Tonga by 10.

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