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Sat 09 Sep 2007Tonga take bouquets in defeat Pool A/England 36 Tonga 20: The ovation the Tongan players received at the final whistle and on their subsequent lap of honour was heartfelt recognition for a team that had entertained and played the better rugby on the night. Unfortunately it was only in snatches and to their credit England toughed this one out, albeit with the help of some Tongan naivety at crucial stages. So to Tonga the plaudits at the Parc des Princes, but for England the satisfaction of a place in the knock-out stages of the World Cup in defence of their title.The tiny Pacific Island produced some marvellous fare, much better than their opponents, but sadly the physicality of the contest coupled with the Islanders' crucial lack of composure at times allowed England a more comfortable passage than seemed likely early on.