MONTPELLIER (Reuters) ¿ The tiny South Pacific kingdom of Tonga humbled the United States 25-15 in their opening World Cup Pool A match yesterday to effectively knock the Americans out of the competition.

The Eagles failed to repeat their inspired performance against defending champions England last weekend as the toll of playing twice in four days took its toll on a hot afternoon at Mosson stadium.

Tonga, who qualified for the tournament by winning one of the two repechage places, led 13-0 after an early try by giant number eight Finau Maka (pictured) but needed two late scores from wing Joseph Vaka and replacement Viliami Vaki to seal the victory.

The United States pulled to within three points of Tonga when loosehead prop Mike MacDonald and blindside flanker Louis Stanfill both scored in the second half. However, Tonga immediately hit back on both occassions to record their first win at the World Cup since 1999.

Both sides were guilty of fundamental errors but what that game lacked in quality it made up for in entertainment as both teams frantically threw the ball around in the hope of picking up a consolation win a tough group that also includes South Africa and Samoa.

Tonga made a flying start, catching the Americans napping with their giant pack of forwards, but the Americans refused to give in, twice threatening to steal the win.

Maka, whose older brother Isitolo represented New Zealand in four tests in 1998, capped his international debut with a try in the second minute off the back of a rolling maul.

Tonga play their Pacific island neighbours Samoa on Saturday while the Americans have a fortnight off before they tackle the Samoans.