Tonga tops for Rugby World Cup crowd enthusiasm

Tonga's supporters say their passion for their team is a reflection of how patriotic Tongans are. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Tonga is on track to be the only rugby team - apart from the All Blacks - to have sell-out crowds at each of their Rugby World Cup matches

The national team,'Ikale Tahi, has had probably the tournament's loudest and most colourful supporters, turning out in droves to support their team all around the country.

Their first game against the All Blacks, and the opening match of the tournament, drew thousands of supporters to Eden Park.

Several buses full of Tongan supporters were organised to go to the game against Canada, in Whangarei, a match which Tonga narrowly lost.

A week later, the same stadium had another sell-out crowd of 18,000 for the Tonga versus Japan match, in which'Ikale Tahi nabbed their first win of the tournament.

They are now looking likely to have another sell-out match on Saturday, when they play the French.

Will'Ilolahia, of the Tonga RWC Komiti 2011 supporters group, said it was a reflection of how patriotic Tongans were.

"We've been promoting and encouraging people to support big during the tournament since February," Mr'Ilolahia said.

The group has helped to sell thousands of tickets to games and organise buses to get supporters to each Tongan match.

And supporters are again being encouraged to fill the stands in Wellington on Saturday, when Tonga take on France in their last pool match.

By yesterday afternoon, about 31,000 tickets had been sold, and about 4000 were left.

Mr'Ilolahia said those tickets would fly out the door.

"It's their last game and so it's the last big chance to get behind the team, so we are expecting another sold-out game," he said.

Other countries that have had big turnouts for their games are New Zealand, Ireland and Samoa.

All of the All Blacks' games have had capacity crowds, and the Irish had two sold-out matches, against Russia and Italy.

Samoa have sold out three of their four matches, against Wales and then Fiji at the weekend. Only their game against Namibia, had empty seats.

Their match against South Africa tomorrow at North Harbour Stadium, was sold out months ago.