July 13 clash "a must win" match for Tonga [1]
Tuesday, July 12, 2011 - 16:50. Updated on Monday, September 9, 2013 - 18:40.
'Isitolo Maka, the 'Ikale Tahi coach has named his starting team to play the Manu Samoa at the National Stadium, Suva, Fiji tomorrow, Wednesday July 13.
Tomorrow's clash is the 'Ikale Tahi's final game of the Pacific Nations Cup tournament, and according to 'Isitolo, "it is a must win" game.
The 'Ikale Tahi has retained its position at the top of tournament points table with six points, despite its loss to Japan on Saturday by one point, 27-28. The remaining three participating countries in the tournament, Fiji, Samoa and Japan remain tied in second place with five points each.
'Isitolo was optimistic this afternoon speaking from Fiji, that a win tomorrow will mean that the 'Ikale Tahi will take the 2011 Pacific Nations Cup. The hoped for outcome would be a booster for the 'Ikale Tahi's preparation for its opening game of the Rugby World Cup in September with the New Zealand All Blacks.
'Isitolo has made a few changes to his starting team. Missing from the new starting team are Paino Hehea, Sione Kalamafoni, Samisoni Fisilau and Viliami 'Iongi who are reserved to the bench. "Against the Manu Samoa, it will be a different kind of game altogether, and we are ready," said 'Isitolo.
The 'Ikale Tahi starting line-up:
1. 'Alisona Taumalolo
2. 'Ilaisa Ma'asi
3. Sila Ki Vai Puafisi
4. Tukulua Lokotui
5. Joseph Mark Laifone Tu'ineau
6. Viliami Suaesi Ma'afu
7. Sione Vaiomo'unga
8. Samiu Kaufusi Vahafolau (captain)
9. Soane Patita Pat Boon Sioape Havea
10. Kurt Stanley Morath
11. Mateo Vakatalau Malupo
12. Hudson Tonga'uiha
13. Sukanivalu Hufanga
14. William Fetu'ufuka Ukumaki Aorere Helu
15. Vungakoto Filimone Lilo (vice captain)
Reserves
16. Eprhaim Taukafa
17. Maleko Kioa Mema Latu
18. Kelekolio Paino Hehea
19. Sione Ma'ake Kalamafoni
20. Samisoni Fisilau
21. Tomasi Palu
22. Viliami 'Iongi