Tonga's Firepower 'Ikale Tahi squad for 2007 Rugby World Cup [1]
Wednesday, July 18, 2007 - 19:13. Updated on Friday, June 13, 2014 - 19:48.
The Firepower 'Ikale Tahi 40-man squad for the 2007 Rugby World Cup was announced today by the Tonga Rugby Football Union.
The 'Ikale Tahi 30-man team for the 2007 Rugby World Cup will be confirmed within the next few days, and the remaining 10 players will remain in Tonga as reserve players in case of injuries.
The 'Ikale Tahi 40-man squad is made up of 12 local players and 38 overseas players. The announcement of the squad today followed a trial last Saturday, of 44 players. The TRFU did not want to name the selectors, but out of the 44 players only 19 were selected to the squad, and the other 21 players in the squad were known 'Ikale Tahi overseas players.
The name of the management team and officials who will accompany the 'Ikale Tahi to France has yet to be announced.
The squad will go into camp and start training training tomorrow, July 19.
The 30-man squad will leave for New Zealand on August 11 and will have their first warm up game on August 15. They will then depart for the United Kingdom on August 18 and have their second warm up game against Sale on August 24.
On September 2 the 'Ikale Tahi squad will go to Paris, France, for the commencement of the Rugby World Cup. The 'Ikale Tahi in Pool A will play against England, South Africa, the Manu Samoa, and the American Eagles. The 'Ikale Tahi World Cup schedule is: American Eagles September 12, Manu Samoa September 16, Springboks September 22, and England September 28.
The 'Ikale Tahi 40-man Squad
Props
1.Toma Toke, Tonga
2.Mosese Moala, France
3.Taufa'ao Filise, England
4.Tevita Taumoepeau, England
5.Soane Tonga'uiha, England
6.Sateki Mata'u, Tonga
Hookers
7.Ephraim Taukafa, England
8.'Aleki Lutui, England
9.Feki Moala, Tonga
Locks
10.Paino Hehea, France
11.'Inoke Afeaki, France
12.Lisiate Fa'aoso, New Zealand
13.Sione Kalamafoni, Tonga
14.'Emosi Kauhenga, Japan
Flankers
15.'Otenili Langilangi, ('Otenili Latu) New Zealand
16.Hale Pole, New Zealand
17.Finau Maka, France
18.Viliami Vaki, France
19.Chris Hala'ufia, England
No. 8s
20.Samiu Vahafolau, France
21.Lotu Filipine, Japan
Halfbacks
22.Soane Havea, Tonga
23.'Enele Taufa, Tonga
24.Sikuti Vunipola, Australia
Flyhalf
25.Pierre Hola, Japan
26.Fangatapu 'Apikotoa, Tonga
27.Tevita Tu'ifua, New Zealand
28.Movete 'Oto'ota, Tonga
Inside Centres
29.'Epeli Taione, Australia
30.Kaiongo Tupou, Tonga
Centres
31.Hudson Tonga'uiha, Tonga
32.Suka Hufanga, France
33.Siua Taumalolo, Engaland
Wingers
34.Sam Satui, Australia
35.Ualosi Kailea, Tonga
36.Seti Kiole, New Zealand
37.'Aisea Havili, England
38.Viliami Hakalo, France
Fullbacks
39.Vunga Lilo, Tonga
40.Sione Tu'ipulotu, Japan