Tonga scored three tries to two at the La Mosson stadium to beat the U.S. team, which lost 28-10 to England in Lens on Saturday.

In the second minute, Finau Maka scored for Tonga and then flyhalf Pierre Hola kicked two penalties to one from U.S. pivot Mike Hercus for a 13-3 halftime lead.

The Eagles scored in the 47th minute when Mike MacDonald crashed over from close range to narrow the gap to 13-8. Tonga winger Joseph Vaka scored out wide after an initial break by flanker Nili Latu was supported by Vungakoto Lilo down the left flank to extend the lead to 18-8 in the 59th minute.

Seven minutes later, American Louis Stanfill went over from a ruck and the video referee ruled it a try. Hercus kicked the conversion to make it 18-15.

But substitute lock Viliami Vaki beat four opponents to score in the 70th minute and restore Tonga's 10-point lead.

Tonga has four points in Group A, one behind leader South Africa. Tonga plays Samoa on Sunday, while the U.S. plays Samoa on Sept. 26.

The U.S. team was playing without center Paul Emerick, who was suspended for five weeks on Tuesday for a spear tackle on English flyhalf Olly Barkley in the Eagles' opening match.