Tonga has conceded its Rugby World Cup aspirations were over as Wales posted a 27-20 win over the Pacific islanders in a thriller at Canberra Stadium.

It was a heart-breaking loss for the Tongans, who scored three tries to Wales' two, and collected a consolation bonus point for staying within seven points of the winner.

In the end it was Tonga's mistakes which handed Wales the close win, with Welsh five-eighth Stephen Jones kicking four penalty goals.

Only a win over New Zealand and Canada would give Tonga any hope of progressing to the quarter finals - something coach Jim Love has realistically given up on.

"I think that dream is gone," he said.

"But I think right from the start it's always been about credibility for Tongan rugby, Pacific nation rugby."

No one could doubt Tonga's credentials after tonight's performance.

Wales, on the other hand, is on track for a top eight finish, with Italy its only remaining threat in Pool D.

Italy and Wales meet at Canberra Stadium on Saturday but the Welsh will have to step up a level to beat the Azzurri, which recorded a 36-12 victory over Tonga last week.

Asked the aspects of tonight's performance he was pleased with, an unimpressed Welsh coach Steven Hansen replied: "We won, we were pleased with that".

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