Wales have beaten Tonga 27-20 in a rain soaked Pool D match at Canberra Stadium.
In slippery conditions Tonga outscored Wales three tries to two but failed to snatch victory, the boot of fly half Stephen Jones giving Wales the win.
Tonga played out of their skin, highlighted by speedy fly half Pierre Hola but it was the entrance of Welsh reserve flanker Martyn Williams in the 68th minute that proved the decisive move, immediately kicking a drop goal and scoring a try.
Stephen Jones set about steadily building his side’s tally in the second half slotting a penalty in the first minute after half time, however three crucial misses over the next fifteen minutes meant that Tonga remained within a converted try at 17 - 10.
Tonga fullback Sila Va’Enuku intercepted from an attacking Welsh raid in the 53rd minute, but his kick ahead bounced out, a sigh no doubt heard around televisions all around the pacific island nation.
Wales had a chance when referee Paul Honiss went to the TV match official asking whether full back Rhys Williams had grounded the ball, however Wales too were denied a try, held up by the desperate Tongan defence.
Reserve flanker Williams ran on in the 60th minute using his fresh set of legs to immediately slot a drop goal and put Wales ahead by 20 points to 10.
This awoke the Tongan forward pack, the side using their bulk to form a rolling maul and score a try to captain Kivalu to bring them within striking distance.
The complexion of the game changed once more when with 12 minutes to go Williams scored a try in the left corner off a long guided pass from centre Iestyn Harris.
With Jones conversion successful Wales went ahead 27 to 15, breaking the backs of a Tongan team who just two minutes earlier were within a try of the lead.
Tonga replied with an impassioned try to prop Lavaka but it was too late, Wales winning 27 - 20.
Wales now lie in second place in the Pool D, ahead of Italy. Tonga are still looking for their first win in RWC 2003 but lie in fourth position through a bonus point gained tonight, one ahead of Canada in the Pool.
Tonga will play New Zealand next in Brisbane on 24 October with the Welsh to play Italy in Canberra the following evening.
Wales
Tries: Gareth Cooper, Martyn Williams
Conv: Stephen Jones(1)
Penalties: Stephen Jones (4)
Tonga
Tries: Pierre Hola, Heamani Lavaka, Benhur Kivalu
Conv: Pierre Hola
Penalties: Pierre Hola (1)