‘IKALE TAHI DAY 16RWC IN WHANGAREI, NORTHLAND

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Sep
20

The team returned from Paihia (Scenic Hotel) to Whangarei (Kingsgate Hotel) to prepare for theirPool A,3rd round game Tonga vs Japan on 21st September at Northland Event Centre.

The team trained in the afternoon at the Marist Rugby Football Club field from 1630 until 1800, the whole team trained well with the exception of Finau Maka (bruised ribs) and Thomas Palu (calf strain). Finau looks unlikely to start this game or even make the bench but should return against France.

At 1900 the team announcementfor Tonga vs Japan kick-off at 19:30 (NZST) as follows:

No: Position: Name:
1 Prop Soane Tongauiha
2 Hooker Aleki Lutui (C)
3 Prop Taufaao Filise
4 Lock Tukulua Lokotui
5 Lock Paino Hehea
6 Flanker Sione Kalamafoni
7 Flanker Sione Vaiomounga
8 Number 8 Viliami Maafu
9 Halfback Taniela Moa
10 First five Kurt Morath
11 Wing Sukanaivalu Hufanga
12 Second five Alipate Fatafehi
13 Centre Siale Piutau
14 Wing Fetuu Vainikolo
15 Fullback Vungakoto Lilo (VC)
16 Reserve Ilaisia Maasi
17 Reserve Alisona Taumalolo
18 Reserve Halani Aulika
19 Reserve Joseph Tuineau
20 Reserve Samiu Vahafolau
21 Reserve Samisoni Fisilau
22 Reserve Andrew Mailei

With both teams winless after two rounds in Pool A. Both teams are eager to register their first win in the tournament.

Isitolo Maka and his selection panel have kept their faith with the in-form players that have performed well against New Zealand and Canada. Tonga will have to play 80 minutes of Rugby to beat Japan come Wednesday night.

— RELEASE ENDS —

Enquiries:

‘Etoni Tonga – Team Media Manager – Mobile: 0275066531