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'What a relief': Tonga regained their spirits after qualifying for the Rugby World Cup

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“Relief” was a word that was heard over and over again in the Tonga camp after they beat Hong Kong 44-22 at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Kawana Waters on Saturday. Key points: Tonga scored six tries to three against Hong Kong Captain Sonatane Takulua stars in three trials for Tonga Tonga enjoys great audience support on the Sunshine Coast The win means Tonga have secured their place at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. The Tongas will join Ireland, Scotland, South Africa and Romania in Pool B next year. “I was very emotional inside. I tried not to show my emotions but it’s a relief to win,” Tonga captain Sonatane Takulua said after the match. When the full-time siren sounded, the red sea erupted and tears flowed easily. Load Even for the Tongan supporters — who have a reputation for being the ‘extras’ — it’s on another level because it’s not about World Cup qualification: it’s about feeling like a winner again. A fan hugs captain Sonatane Takulua (right) after Tonga’s emphatic win

Rugby News: Wallabies vs England: Richard Cockerill sledges Australia over headbutt, what time does Australia A play Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup.

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They’ve punched Darcy Swain in the face and pulled her hair, slapped Michael Hooper during trial celebrations and pinned Nic White’s head to the loop with an elbow to the throat, but England have claimed high moral ground as niggle-gate dominated leading up to Saturday’s decider test in Sydney. While White said he was surprised by the level of sloppiness in the series, he was ridiculed by Eddie Jones, England assistant coach Richard Cockeril, saying that Wallabi’s focus on England’s dark arts raised questions about rugby in Australia. Cockerill admits “Ellis [Genge] last week may have crossed the line” in his showdown with White in Brisbane, but added that the England coach didn’t want to “hold the players back either.” “I keep hearing about the distractions England are bringing. I don’t know how Australian rugby is, but I don’t see it as a hassle,” said Cockerill. “It’s been pretty tame so far. We will continue the game. Good set piece, we’ll make some tough tackles, we’ll clear up