Scots thrashed by Tonga

The euphoria of the the Scots' maiden World Cup win over Fiji in Gosford on Wednesday night was quickly forgotten as Tonga raced to a 12-0 lead after only 10 minutes and 24-0 at half-time.

Scotland's cause also was not helped by the withdrawal of inspirational skipper Danny Brough before the game with a knee injury, with hooker Ben Fisher taking over the captaincy duties in Duncan McGillivray's final game for his country.

The first try came in the fourth minute when Eddie Paea provided the assist with a pinpoint kick into the in-goal for Feleti Mateo to jump over winger Wade Liddell and touchdown.

The Bravehearts' most experienced World Cup player, Canberra forward Scott Logan, gave away another penalty for a high tackle on Paea in the seventh minute and within 60 seconds the Pacific Islanders were in again.

This time a pass from Tevita Leo-Latu gave Paea a chance and a yawning gap opened up to the left of the posts, allowing Paea to dash 15 metres for the score.

Tonga went further ahead in the 27th minute when Epalahame Lauaki's cut-out pass to Mickey Paea set up Etuate Uaisele to score.

Scotland desperately tried to find a way into the contest and again had possession close the Tongan line in the minutes before the break but a stray pass from scrum-half John Duffy led to a runaway 85-metre try to Cooper Vuna.

The first 20 minutes of the second half were even more devastating for the Scots as Tonga added three further tries to go 42-0 in front. Tony Williams, who slotted six goals in all, had scored try number five minutes after the resumption, Vuna grabbed his double when he again picked up a loose ball after Mateo's cross-field kick was fumbled and Fetuli Talanoa finished a flowing move on the hour mark.

Paea strolled through some tired Scotland defence in the final seconds, handing off for Michael Jennings to score under the posts as time ran out.