Seoul Gazette - Tonga need more 'intense games' says frustrated Kefu

The Pacific Islanders ended their Rugby World Cup campaign with a 45-24 win over Romania after defeats to leading nations Ireland, South Africa and Scotland.

Kefu said his side play no more than six Tests a year, compared to more than double that for the more established outfits in the Six Nations and the Rugby Championship.

"We need more games, simple as that, but how they do it is the question," Kefu told reporters after the Romania victory.

"We need to spend more time together. I need time to get my boys aligned.

"I don't know how they do it. The international calendar is tough to rejig," he added.

Kefu's Romania counterpart Eugen Apjok agreed with his calls.

"We need more tough games, intense games," he said.

"I hope the young boys understand now what it is about," he added.

Former Australia back-rower Kefu finished his seven-year tenure as Tonga coach with the victory in Lille.

"It's been disappointing in terms of results," Kefu said.

"I come away with a maybe 40 percent win/loss record.

"My team’s not geared up to win because of the system we're in. I have to decide what winning looks like when you're not winning.

"That means building relationships with players and coaching staff," he added.

During the game, Romania scrum-half Florin Surugiu made his 104th and final Test appearance, scoring a try just two months out from his 39th birthday.

"We just thanked him for everything he's given to Romanian rugby," Apjok said.

"We wish him all the best in the next step.

"We will miss players like him and we hope this kind of player will be involved in Romanian rugby even after they retire," he added.

L.Shin--SG