This game was cruel for the Tongans because they had a bye in round one, and you do not want a bye in round one, especially when you are playing against the world’s top players who have already played a match.

That explains in part why Tonga did poorly against the Irish. There was no preparation for it.

The odds of them becoming poor again are slim to none. The Irish economy imploded as a result of that. The team lacked discipline and had a disastrous lineout. Take a look at what they have in this team if they can fix the problems.

Pita Akhi, an incredible athlete in the center, has won everything with Toulouse. It’s hard to find a better 12 than him. Malakai Fekitoa is well known for his talent. Currently, Charles Piutau, Ben Tameifuna, and Vaea Fifita are some of the best individual players in the world. There is a great deal of danger involved.

Big Ben told me in Bordeaux in the summer how much this game meant to the Tongan lads. Scotland may not realize the significance of this Test for Tongan rugby because it’s their final. In the event that they win the group and finish third, they will automatically qualify for the 2020 World Cup.