South Africa shown up by Tonga

South Africa's Halifax Blue Sox scrum-half, Jamie Bloem, pointed to his side's rawness in the laws of the game after their 18-66 trouncing at the hands of Tonga in Paris on Saturday.

South Africa's Halifax Blue Sox scrum-half, Jamie Bloem, pointed to his side's rawness in the laws of the game after their 18-66 trouncing at the hands of Tonga in Paris on Saturday.

"We know what we have to do against Papua New Guinea now. We've got to hold the ball for six tackles," he said. "It's not like rugby union, which most of them are used to."

The Tonga captain - and Warrington Wolves player - Martin Masella made more yards than anyone on the field. He said: "It's a great honour leading your country. But let's not get carried away. We were a long way from being a good side out there."

The French coach Gilles Dumas was disappointed as he reflected on Saturday's devastating defeat to Papua New Guinea. "I am extremely upset. At 16-0 up we appeared to be well in control but then lost our discipline and concentration," he said after the 23-20 reverse.

The Papua New Guinea coach Bob Bennett said: "I always thought we could get back into it. They showed much better commitment in the second half and did what was asked of them. I am very happy. It is a dream start."