E-mail Article Print-Friendly Version Contact Us Subscribe to RSS Feed

Tonga name XV for Springboks

No rest for Latu and Maka

Tonga have announced their side to face South Africa in the Pool A clash at Stade Félix Bollaert on Saturday.

The Islanders were expected to field a weakened side for the top-of-the-table clash, but coach Quddus Fielea has opted against resting key players in preparation for next week's crucial game against England.

Flank Hale T-Pole is suspended following his sending off against Samoa last weekend and is replaced by Viliami Vaki.

Elsewhere, Sione Tu'ipulotu, 'Emosi Kauhenga and Aleki Lutui come in for Enele Taufa, Inoke Afeaki and Ephraim Taukafa respectively.

Tonga, now ranked 12th in the world following their two Pool wins against USA and Samoa, are high in confidence and are sensing that they can continue to build momentum, starting with upsetting the Springboks.

"One of our goals is to break into the top 10-ranked teams in the world," Tongan captain Latu told NZPA.

"That was probably our number one target. A draw or a win against South Africa would crack it."

Tonga: 15 Vungakoto Lilo, 14 Tevita Tu'ifua, 13 Sukanaivalu Hufanga, 12 Epeli Taione, 11 Joseph Vaka, 10 Pierre Hola, 9 Sione Tu'ipulotu, 8 Finau Maka, 7 Nili Latu (c), 6 Viliami Vaki, 5 'Emosi Kauhenga, 4 Paino Hehea, 3 Kisi Pulu, 2 Aleki Lutui, 1 Soane Tonga'uiha.
Replacements: 16 Ephraim Taukafa, 17 Taufa'ao Filise, 18 Inoke Afeaki, 19 Lotu Filipine, 20 Soane Havea, 21 Isileli Tupou, 22 Aisea Havili.

Date: Saturday, 22 September
Venue: Stade Félix Bollaert, Lens
Kick-off: 14:00 (13:00 GMT)
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Touch judges: Paul Marks, Federico Cuesta
Television match official: Malcolm Changleng
Assessor: Michel Lamoulie