Tonga head coach Mana Otai has conceded that his side were deservedly beaten by Georgia in their Rugby World Cup opener at Kingsholm this afternoon.

The Pacific Islanders were dominant in terms of possession and territory during the Pool C clash, but they failed to cross over the tryline until the 72nd minute.

Otai acknowledged that his side squandered a number of chances to score while they were camped inside the opposition 22, but also paid tribute to Georgia for a stubborn defensive display.

"I think there were a lot of missed opportunities for us. There were times when the opportunity was there but [we couldn't take them] due to our own mistakes as well as the pressure that Georgia put on us. Georgia deserved it today," he told reporters.

Tonga will look to bounce back from their 17-10 defeat when they take on Namibia in Exeter on September 29.