Canada have picked up a World Cup victory over Tonga with a dramatic 25-20 win in Whangarei.
After a dogged start, Canada lock Jebb Sinclair opened the scoring with his second international try, which was converted by fullback James Pritchard.
Tonga kicker Kurt Morath was defeated by the wind throughout the first half, with penalty efforts drifting wide twice.
This was not a problem for Pritchard, however, who slotted a penalty over to make the scores 0-10.
Tonga centre Siale Piutau scored seconds before half-time after a pick and drive play to make it 7-10 going into the break.
Morath levelled the scores after the break with a penalty, but Pritchard responded with a kick of his own seconds later.
Piatau then picked up his second try to make it 17-13, followed by a Morath penalty, but Canada fought back to make it 20-18 with a try from Aaron Carpenter.
Phil Mackenzie then put Canada ahead minutes from time and Pritchard converted, resulting in five minutes of tense defensive play from the Canucks before the whistle was blown at 20-25.
Canada go on to face France on Sunday, September 18, while Tonga next face Japan on Wednesday, September 21.
