Finau Maka scored a try 71 seconds into his debut as Tonga beat the United States 25-15 to win an error-strewn but entertaining game in Montpellier.

It was the second defeat in five days for the United States and only the Tongans' third ever victory at a World Cup.

Maka, the Toulouse flanker, dived over from close range after the Tongan pack formed a rolling maul following a lineout conceded by the Americans. Winger Joseph Vaka added a second try in the 59th minute and substitute Viliami Vaki scored a great individual effort with 10 minutes to go to put the Pool A game out of the Americans' reach.

The victory put the Tongans one point behind South Africa and level with England. The Americans have no points from two games and, with only two more group matches to go, now have little chance of reaching the quarterfinal.

Tongan captain Nili Latu said his side had already achieved their aim for the tournament. "It is a very special day for us," said Latu. "We wanted to win one match, it was our minimum target.

"We have achieved that, now we must go further. We are very proud of our performance and now we are going to see what happens from now on."

The United States were playing without centre Paul Emerick, who was suspended for five weeks on Tuesday for a spear tackle on Olly Barkley, the English fly half, in their opening match.

Tonga made a rousing start with a try from a 20 metre rolling maul formed from good lineout ball in the second minute, with Maka claiming the score.

Fly half Pierre Hola kicked two penalties to kick the Tongans into a 13-0 lead in the draining afternoon heat, but Mike Hercus, the US No10, kept his side in sight with a 33rd-minute penalty.

It was a lively opening half with both teams taking their chances and throwing the ball around, punctuated by handling mistakes.

Hooker Owen Lentz had a try disallowed by the video referee after a rolling maul minutes after the resumption, but moments later the Eagles got their first try through Mike MacDonald, the prop going over near the touchline to make it 13-8 after 47 minutes following a concerted spell of pressure.

Just when the USA looked to be getting on top Tonga scored a magical try, Latu breaking into the clear on halfway and linking with full back Vungakoto Lilo with Vaka finishing it off for a ten-point lead.