3. France 14 – 19 Tonga: 2011 Rugby World Cup
In 2011, soon-to-be Rugby World Cup finalists New Zealand and France, were both drawn into Pool A. In identical circumstances of the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup, the All Blacks and Les Blues were presumed favourites to progress out of their ‘Group of Death’. However, Pacific Islanders Tonga were out to disrupt the order, and produced the upset of the competition when they met France in the final Pool Stage round.
A bonus point win for Tonga would have levelled their points total with France, with the decisive second placed spot in the group being settled on points difference. The Tongans were all too aware of this, and brought an ignited fire to Wellington’s Westpac Stadium. A spot in the quarter-finals was in their hands, and they had all intentions on joining the All Blacks out of the Pool.
The match was a ferocious sparring match, as neither side would give an inch in the physical battle of attrition. Precious points were found by the boot, as Dimitri Yachvili and Kurt Morath kept the score-boards ticking over for their sides. The Pacific Islanders found the opening try, as the blue wall was depleted long enough for left winger Sukanaivalu Hufanga to score.
Then the foundations were re-built, and the slogging contest continued. Tonga left it all out on the pitch, with France beaten black and blue regardless of their kit colour. France were resilient, and with their legendary captain Thierry Dusatoir pushing them forward, Les Bleus grabbed an 80th minute try, and the all-important losing bonus point. Vincent Clerc ensured that his country would progress out of the Pool, yet Tonga came away with an unforgettable victory over France.
France Head Coach Marc Lievremont gave his side a scathing dressing-down in the post match media. Dusatoir agreed, and believed that his side were far below standards against the Tongans. Despite the French excuses, they still progressed and left New Zealand with silver medals. The Sea Eagles were unfortunate to not progress out the Pool stage, yet the 14-19 victory will long be remembered as a another highlight in the entertaining history of Pacific Island rugby.