Piutau leads the way as Tonga give France a fright

Hear from @officialTongaRU's coach Toutai Kefu, as he reacts to a narrow defeat to France 🗣#RWC2019 #FRAvTGA #RWCKumamoto pic.twitter.com/nMkENw3PRV

— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) October 6, 2019

France led 17-0 but Tonga pulled back to within two points after a converted try from flanker Zane Kapeli with one minute left on the clock.

France led 17-7 at halftime after left winger Alivereti Raka set up centre Virimi Vakatawa and then created a try for himself with a kick and collect down the left flank.

Fly half Romain Ntamack converted both, after earlier landing a penalty goal.

Tonga replied with a converted try right on halftime by Sonatane Takulua, while Malietoa Hingano got a second converted try early in the second half, shortly after France flanker Charles Ollivon had a try disallowed.

Two Ntamack penalties made it 23-14 with 20 minutes left, before right winger Damian Penaud also had a score ruled out.

Kapeli's effort near fulltime proved to be too late to make a difference for Piutau’s Tonga, after another battling display.