Scotland v Tonga: Teams

Guttenbeil and McGillivray to make final career appearances in Rockhampton

Last updated: 7th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Scotland v Tonga: Teams

Tonga: only 18 available players

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Tonga head into Saturday's encounter against Scotland at Browne Park in Rockingham with just 18 players available to coach Jim Dymock.

Dymock has seen his original 24-man squad depleted by injury, most notably to key men Michael Jennings and Willie Manu, while Fuifui Moimoi and Taniela Tuaki remain sidelined because of eligibility rulings.

The Tongans are, though, boosted by the return of Awen Guttenbeil for the clash to decide seventh and eighth places, with the former Castleford Tiger making his last appearance before calling time on his career.

Dymock admits he is expecting another touch encounter, especially with the Scots on a high after their midweek win over Fiji.

"Just like when we prepared for Ireland, we won't be treating Scotland lightly," the Tonga coach stated.

"The Scotland team has been very passionate, with a real will to win and we intend to approach the game exactly the same."

Another player bringing the curtain down on his career after the match in Queensland is Scotland forward Duncan McGillivray.

Emotional

Having missed the win over Fiji, the one-time Wakefield man will lead the Scots out in his farewell appearance and coach Steve McCormack is predicting that emotions will be running high.

"I'm sure there will be a lot of emotion," McCormack said. "He's a very passionate and professional person."

The Scotland side will feature a number of enforced changes with captain Danny Brough, loose forward Lee Paterson, vice-captain Paul Jackson and winger Jon Steel are missing out through injury.

Paterson has already returned home with a knee injury, while Brough is struggling with a knee strain, Steel has a damaged ankle and Jackson a broken hand sustained in his side's first-ever World Cup victory on Wednesday.

As a result, winger Paddy Coupar, who plays for Edinburgh Eagles, Sheffield prop Jack Howieson and Leigh stand-off or hooker Dave McConnell should all be handed their first outings of the tournament.

Tonga: Toshio Laiseni, Cooper Vuna, Fetuli Talanoa, Andrew Emelio, Etuate Uasele, Feleti Mateo, Eddie Paea, Antonio Kaufusi, Tevita Leo-Latu, Awen Guttenbeil, Lopini Paea (capt), Richard Fa'aoso, Mickey Paea
Replacements (from): Epalahame Lauaki, Sam Moa, Esikeli Tonga, Manase Manuokafoa, Tony Williams

Scotland: M Robertson (Manly); W Liddell (Brisbane Easts), M Nanyn (Oldham), K Henderson (Wakefield), G Cowan (Wests Tigers); D McConnell (Leigh), J Duffy (Widnes); O Wilkes (Wakefield), B Fisher (Hull KR), S Logan (Canberra), D McGillivray (Wakefield), I Morrison (Widnes), A Henderson (NZ Warriors)
Replacements (from): P Coupar (Edinburgh Eagles), C Armit (Canterbury Bulldogs), J Howieson (Sheffield), A Henderson (Castleford)

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