Terrific Tonga Tongan fans amped for big game

Tonga's rugby frenzy is infectious, finds Express reporter Simon Wong

I unwittingly got caught up in the Rugby World Cup fervour when I met a group of diehard Tonga supporters yesterday.

The Tongan community here is truly ready for the first Rugby World Cup clash of the tournament between their nation and the All Blacks tonight – the first time they've met on the field since 2003.

The World Cup starts at 8.30pm at Auckland's Eden Park between the Pacific neighbours, and Tongans around the country are amped.

Dressed in red and white and with painted faces, the Taumoefolau and Moli families from Blenheim will be among many in Marlborough supporting their men from their living rooms tonight.

Their enthusiasm was so contagious I could not help but throw on the red and white of the Tongan flag and join in.

Dad Tonga Taumoefolau, also the coach of the Marlborough under-18 rugby team, said an unofficial public holiday had been organised for Tongans on Monday should their side defeat the men in black.

"No other game will matter if we win," he said.

"Even if we lose they're still not going to stomp out our spirits.

"This is a home game for us.

"It's massive."

He expected the first 30 minutes of the game to be "fireworks" and said he would like to see the score within 15 points.

The two teams last faced off in pool play during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia when the Tongan side was defeated 91-7.

In a show of great patriotism Tongan supporters in Auckland have gathered in their thousands to watch their home team practise.

They caused traffic chaos when 4000 supporters flocked to meet the team at Auckland International Airport when they landed on Monday.

- Marlborough

Last updated 12:30 09/09/2011

Tongan supporters geared up for the match between the All Blacks and Tonga. L-R (front) Vei Moli, 5, Mele Moli, 7, Kyren Taumoefolau, 8 and Bray Taumoefolau, 6. (mid) Cody Harris, 11, Cory Harris, 11, Monu Moli, 9 and Linda Samasoni, 7. (back) Esafe Moli, 11, Tonga Taumoefolau, Sam Moli, 12, Simon Wong, 22, Mele Lopeti, 13 and Mrs Luseane Moli. (top back) Atu Moli, 16 (with the flag)

Go ABs: Tua Marina School children, from back left; Lorraine Regan (teacher aide), Anaru Anderson, Caitlin Tierney, Zara Jopson, Cohen Stewart, Nico vam Beek, Livvy Hodson, Sonny Gulliver and JP Alviar are right in behind the All Blacks and can't wait for the Rugby World Cup to get underway tonight. The children wore black to school today to show their support for the