Tonga and Romania will be looking to end their respective World Cup campaigns off on a high note by grabbing a win that has eluded both the Pool B sides thus far.
Tonga v Romania
Stade Pierre Mauroy
Sunday 8 October
Tonga 1/1000 | Draw 20/1 | Romania 18/1
Tonga come into this one as red-hot favourites with the bookmakers, which is no surprise when you consider how Romania have struggled against the other sides in Pool B with the Eastern Europeans going down 82-8 to Ireland, 76-0 to South Africa and 84-0 to Scotland. The Oaks have conceded a total of 242 points in their three fixtures at an average of just over 80 points per game while they are averaging under three points per game in their favour.
The good news for Romania is that Tonga is not a Tier 1 side. The bad news, however, is that the Tongans are loaded with former Tier 1 talent who are more than capable of tearing an opposition side apart.
The Tongans have also suffered some heavy defeats at the tournament going down 59-16 to Ireland, 45-17 to Scotland and 49-18 to South Africa. They have managed to score points in these fixtures, however, and they’re likely to score a whole lot more against a Romanian side who are not the most sound defensive outfit going.
I reckon the Tongans will tear their opponents apart here. They’ve shown some positive signs on attack against the big guns and they should be able to let loose against the minnows.
Verdict: Tonga (-35.5) 17/20
